LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Construction crews are continuing to build a new, bigger courthouse in the heart of Downtown La Grange. According to the construction manager of the Oldham County Judicial Center, the unique project began with moving the 150-year-old, two-story existing courthouse to accommodate the construction of a 52,000-square-foot addition.

What You Need To Know

  • Oldham County is investing $39 million into reconstructing the Oldham County Judicial Center

  • The courthouse has doubled in size with a 52,000-square-foot addition

  • The bigger building includes four courtrooms, rich walnut wood throughout the building and several offices

  • The courthouse is expected to be finished in July

From the window of his office, Judge Executive, David Voegele can see the $39 million courthouse under construction.

“It’s something we can all be proud of in our community,” Voegele said.

The original and oldest section of the courthouse was picked up and moved to the center of the block in 2022.

Inside, some of the original brickwork remains. New wings were built on either side. The courthouse has now doubled in size. The building includes four courtrooms, rich walnut wood throughout the building and several offices.

“There’s a lot of people that have offices. So, it’s going to impact our downtown quite a bit here,” Voegele said.

Voegele said the new courthouse mirrors the look of its predecessor.

Workers have taken great care to preserve pieces of history, such as an old vault door that was attached to the original courthouse. They are also restoring an old, ornate wooden railing.

“I’m proud of what is coming out. I think we have a beautiful courthouse. It’s going to stand there for probably 200-300 years. It’s built for the long haul. Built for our grandchildren’s great grandchildren,” Voegele said.

A walnut bicentennial time capsule is going on the second floor of the new courthouse. It will include pictures, newspapers and items from Oldham County’s 200th birthday year in 2024.

“Where it will stand for 200 years before it is to be opened again. We’ll be putting a plaque on the top that says not to be opened until February of 2224. So, I think it’s a cool idea and I’m sure a lot of people will wonder what’s in that time capsule, but it’ll be their grandchildren’s great-grandchildren that’ll find out,” Voegele said.

The courthouse is expected to be finished in July.

Voegele said they have been in a temporary courthouse building for several years now, that used to be an old grocery store. He said they’ll be moving back around August or September.

Related Stories