MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County is breaking ground on a long-planned project to expand its courthouse campus in Morristown, a construction effort county officials said is intended to meet security and space needs for New Jersey Judiciary courts and staff.
The project is expected to take about 24 months and includes construction of a new criminal courthouse on an open-air parking lot and part of the adjacent pocket park along Schuyler Place, officials said. The eight-story building is planned to include eight new courtrooms, along with additional space designed to meet standards set by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts for courtroom security and design.
County officials said New Jersey counties are required to provide sufficient facilities for state Superior Courts and that Morris County is among several counties undertaking major capital projects to meet those obligations.
Officials emphasized that the historic Morris County Courthouse facing Washington Street is not being demolished and that the new courthouse will not be built on that footprint. The historic courthouse, officials said, underwent extensive refurbishing and roof replacements in 2024 and will continue to be preserved.
County officials said the new facility is being designed to accommodate existing Superior Court judges, staff and services — not to expand operations.
The new building is expected to include jury assembly areas and chambers for judges. Officials said a new main entrance to the courthouse complex and the county Administration and Records Building will be built at the corner of Washington Street and Schuyler Place.
County officials said the new courthouse will replace outdated space attached to the historic courthouse complex between Court Street and Western Avenue, where security, disability access and safety systems are inadequate.
During construction, the pocket park facing Washington Street will not be accessible, officials said, but more than 60% of that space is expected to be restored as a greenway when the project is completed.
Morris County officials said they are working with the town of Morristown to minimize disruption along Schuyler Place, though they cautioned that inconveniences are expected. Schuyler Place will be reduced to a 20-foot travel width and all but two street parking spaces will be removed, officials said, adding that replacement parking for patrons and visitors has been provided.
Officials said Morris County and the Morristown Parking Authority have reallocated parking spaces in the Ann-Bank Garage at 30 Schuyler Place, marked with a two-hour time limit, and that temporary loading and unloading for nearby businesses and residential properties will still be permitted on Schuyler Place.
County officials said Schuyler Place may be closed intermittently to vehicle traffic on certain days and that advance notice will be provided to those affected, with Morristown police directing traffic during closures.
Work hours are expected to be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, officials said. No evening or weekend work is anticipated, and construction workers will be required to park at Headquarters Plaza to preserve parking in the construction area for residents, shoppers and local employees, officials said.
