Travis County Civil and Family Courts
Austin, Texas
Having outgrown its previous space, Travis County formed a public/private partnership to construct a new Civil and Family Court Facility that better serves its constituents. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the courthouse balances transparency and security to embrace the surrounding community while presiding as a symbol of justice. Thoughtful design, including a welcoming main entry, outdoor terraces, a self-help law center, and childcare facilities, seek to ease the stress of typical courthouse experiences. The site encourages community engagement, featuring spacious sidewalks, pedestrian benches, bike racks, and a public community plaza, all easily accessible by foot, bus, and bike. Reliable materials like locally-sourced limestone, sturdy leathers, and blackened steel give a warm and timeless appeal that references the Texas Hill Country, and sustainable design aims for LEED Silver certification.
Acknowledgement of our partners: Travis County, Hunt, Hensel Phelps, and Chameleon Companies.