Groundbreaking for Elkhart County’s new consolidated courts campus took place on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 16.

The new campus being built on a 32-acre site at 1905 Reliance Road is at the western edge of Goshen – immediately southwest of the intersection at U.S. 33 and Reliance Road.

“This major project, 30 years in the making, will improve services for every citizen of Elkhart County,” said Frank Lucchese, Elkhart County Commissioner. “When this complex opens in 2024, I believe it will be one of the most efficient and accessible County Court systems in the country.”

“Today’s a great day. Finally, after three decades of talk about a more efficient, conveniently located courts campus, we’re breaking ground,” added David Hess, Vice President of the Elkhart County Council. “This is a win for everyone in Elkhart County whether they live in one of our large cities, or any of our smaller towns.”

“This is good news for everyone,” added David C. Bonfiglio, Elkhart County Superior Court Judge. “We’re building a more efficient and accessible County Courts campus for the first time in county history. I’m personally excited about this new facility and want to thank everyone who’s been involved in getting us to this point.”

The design-build construction contract, signed in November, details a 173 thousand square foot building to be situated facing due northwest on the site. Cost to build the new campus, at just under $94 million, is in the same range as the new Elkhart County Jail Campus which was finished 14 years ago at a cost of $95 million. A target date for completion of the new consolidated courts facility has been set as June, 2024.