Judiciary in talks to replace Garrahy courthouse with new building in Cranston. Here's why.

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Judiciary recently approached state leaders about building a $350-million courthouse to replace the Garrahy Judicial Complex on Dorrance Street.

The chief judges of the various courts met jointly last month with House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio about the proposal.

Shekarchi said Wednesday that court officials initially cited a $400-million price tag, “which I thought was very high.” The judiciary has since adjusted the projected cost to $350 million, he said.

“There were no plans … There’s a lot of unknowns on the table,” Shekarchi said, but he vowed to remain open to learning more and letting the judiciary make its case.

Lacking in the conversation were a timetable, funding mechanism – such as a bond versus a direct appropriation – location, and thoughts on what would happen to the existing courthouse.

“I need the details,” he said.

A spokesman for the Senate did not immediately respond to an email.

Why build a new courthouse?

State Court Administrator Julie Hamil issued a lengthy statement addressing the need for a more modern courthouse for the 2,000 people coming through Garrahy each day – a number that is expected to return to pre-pandemic numbers of roughly 3,500. Built in 1981, the six-story building houses District, Family and Workers’ Compensation courts.

“The Judiciary is exploring a new courthouse as the courts have outgrown the building with far more staff, judicial officers and programs than existed in 1981. The chief justice envisions a new courthouse to meet the legal needs of our population in a more accessible and secure manner and to provide a functional workspace for our dedicated staff,” Hamil said.

She cited the need, too, for more “confidential, inviting” spaces for court users to privately meet with court staff and clinicians to resolve sensitive issues involving child custody, evictions and mental health.

“Currently, organizations providing [eviction] services … are stationed in crowded hallways outside the courtrooms, meaning sensitive and emotionally charged conversations about housing are taking place in public spaces,” Hamil said.

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In addition, Hamil noted that Garrahy lacks enough secure courtrooms connected to the cell block, meaning sheriffs must now lead people being held through public hallways and workspaces.

“The Judiciary understands that the governor and General Assembly leaders are asked to balance many requests for funding and that the State has many competing priorities. Notwithstanding, the chief justice envisions a better forum for the administration of justice in Rhode Island than that which we can now offer at the Garrahy Judicial Complex,” Hamil said.

The courts have hired the Capitol City Group as its lobbyist at $7,000 a month to help it make its case.

Location, location, location

One site under consideration as a possible location for the new courthouse is the state-owned Pastore Complex in Cranston for its access to public transportation and available free parking, Hamil said.

She emphasized that “Garrahy’s prime location in the developing Jewelry District would make it an attractive parcel for sale or development, thereby offsetting the cost of the building.”

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Garrahy Judicial Complex may close in favor of new Cranston courthouse