Location
Mackinac Island, MI
Original Construction
1839
Cost
$630,000
Completion Date
2002

Built in 1839, the courthouse is one of the oldest buildings on the island with great architectural significance.  Its prominent cupola and the location in the historic district on Market Street make it a visual landmark as well.  

In 1999, SmithGroup, precursor to HBDS, conducted a preliminary assessment of the material conditions, historic images, barrier free access, and code issues to determine the possibility of reestablishing a courtroom on the second floor, which wasunused and vacant at the time. The report also provided two different programming options for both the currently used police station and the courtrooms.

SmithGroup carried out the restoration and renovation of the historic courthouse. The building continues to house the police department with the addition of two new interview rooms, a lieutenant’s office, and an upgraded detention area. Meanwhile, the main second-floor courtroom was restored to an 1880’s appearance for hearings and pleadings during the summer months. The historic front lobby also became the main entry to both the police and court functions.

Additional work includes restoring the cupola structure, restoring or replacing windows, paint research for both exterior and interior colors, new exterior lighting, and making the entire facility barrier free and ADA compliant, including the installation of an elevator and barrier-free toilets.