After years of planning and construction, the Marshall County Courthouse renovation is entering its final phase, offering the public a building that feels both familiar and new. The courthouse is now open to the public, along with portions of the new Law Enforcement Center, signaling that a long-anticipated county project is nearing completion.
Originally built in the early 1900s, the courthouse has been updated to preserve its historic character while addressing long standing needs for space, accessibility and security. The project began in August 2023, when county voters approved a five million dollar bond to renovate the courthouse and construct a Law Enforcement Center. The total project cost was approximately 9.6 million dollars, funded through a combination of bonds, county reserves, grants and donations. Construction was managed by Comstock Construction, with architectural and engineering services provided by ISG. Most county offices relocated during construction and gradually returned to the courthouse in late 2025 and early 2026.
Marshall County Auditor Megan Biel recently gave the Journal a walk through the renovated courthouse, pointing out many of the new features that are already in use. Biel said care was taken to keep much of the character of the original building intact, including trim work and architectural details.
One of the most noticeable improvements is accessibility. A new elevator now provides access to the courtroom, something that had previously been difficult for some members of the public. The courtroom itself features new flooring, an accessible juror box, improved judge’s chambers that include a new bathroom and updated window coverings. A private stairway has also been added to allow secure movement of inmates to and from court.
Biel said the Auditor’s Office renovations have greatly improved how the public uses the space, particularly during elections. “We now have room for people to come in and vote,” Biel said. “Before, voting was happening in a public hallway.”
Throughout the building, offices gained additional storage and improved work areas. Planning and Zoning Director Erin Collins Miles said the renovation resulted in more storage and better office space, allowing departments to operate more efficiently.
The Treasurer’s Office saw some of the most dramatic changes. Treasurer Amanda Streier said the office was relocated to the first floor and now includes three service windows. One of those windows is lower to improve handicap accessibility. “People have already told us how much they appreciate it,” Streier said.
Mechanical upgrades were also a key component of the project. The courthouse now features improved HVAC systems that provide a constant flow of fresh air throughout the building.
Significant changes were also made for emergency services thanks to the addition of the new Law Enforcement Center. The new E911 and dispatch area provides additional space and updated infrastructure. Emergency Management Director and dispatcher Logan Roehr said the new layout has been long overdue. “We have much more space now and two dispatch stations,” Roehr said. “Before, we had no space.”
E911 Coordinator Deb Skonberg said the new area is quieter and more functional. “Before, we had to run the air conditioning constantly to keep the servers cool, and it was very loud,” Skonberg said. “Now the servers are in a separate room, it is much quieter and we are in compliance with state regulations.”
The new part of the building also includes a public sheriff’s reception area, a commission meeting room, offices for Emergency Management and E911, private booking space, holding cells, an interview room, expanded evidence storage and improved office space for deputies and command staff.
Sheriff Sam Swanson said the added space and accessibility have already made a difference. “We were using makeshift rooms for interviews and were on top of each other,” Swanson said. “Deputies have already appreciated having their own space.” Swanson said the new holding cells will be inspected by the state to determine how long inmates can be held.
Outside improvements include a larger paved parking lot with lighting. Some final checklist items remain, including landscaping. For now, the public is asked to continue using the north entrance when entering the courthouse.
Marshall County Commissioner Jason Bender said he believes the public will value the changes. “I think people will appreciate the space and the accessibility,” Bender said. “We hope the public will enjoy it and make good use of it.”
Commissioner Andrea Kilker said the project successfully balances history with modern needs. “I get nostalgic when I walk through the courtroom because it feels like the original space,” Kilker said. “The security features are state of the art but barely noticeable. This is a huge investment by our taxpayers, and I think they will agree it is money well spent. Marshall County has a rich history, and this courthouse project lets that history live on.”
