Historic Platte County Courthouse will get a $2.7 million makeover for growing caseload

The Platte County Commission approved $2.7 million to renovate its historic courthouse in downtown Platte City.

“The Platte County Courthouse stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and its evolution over the past century and a half,” the county commission said in a press release, announcing the news.

Originally, the courthouse was built for a smaller rural community, according to the commission, but as the county continues to grow, it’s facing an increasing caseload.

The courthouse was built in the 1860s after the previous courthouse was burned down in a Civil War raid.

Platte County will use money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to pay for the project. The county received $20 million of pandemic relief money in total in 2021 and said it planned to use the funds to update facilities.

Construction will start in December. Key upgrades will expand courtrooms, modify the parking lot to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and make other general improvements. The HVAC and wood exterior are also undergoing repairs.

The county has also used ARPA funds for resource centers for the sheriff’s office and prosecutor’s office, security, technology upgrades and general maintenance. It plans to use remaining money on its administration building and juvenile center.

A county commission spokesperson said the project is expected to last through 2025. The commission will work with judges and the courthouse contractor to communicate how the work will shift courtroom operations in phases.