The new Coweta County Justice Center was unveiled last Sunday, complete with a ribbon cutting and the ceremonial laying of the cornerstone by the Grand Lodge of Georgia F&AM. Nearly 500 people were on hand for the event.

The 130,000 square foot center was built to reflect the design of the historic courthouse with large columns and arched windows. It was also designed to be a “100- year building,” built to stand the test of time, to fit in with the atmosphere and style of downtown Newnan, and to be a proper legacy to the historic courthouse on the square.

It houses the Coweta County Superior Court, and Coweta County State Court, and the offices of the clerks for these courts. The Juvenile Court will be housed in a separate building.

On entering the front doors the visitor is treated to a columned foyer and spacious view of the mezzanine walkway on the second and third floors. The first floor also contains the Clerk of the State Court, the Clerk of the Superior Court, the real estate research room, the Magistrate Court, and Cranford Hall, which is the jury assembly room, and is named for Clifford Cranford, a Coweta County solicitor for more than 30 years.

The second floor contains the Solicitor’s office, and the third floor is the District Attorney’s office and Superior Court courtrooms.

Security was a primary focus in its construction. Courts are now in one location, with defendants entering through a secured entrance and using dedicated elevators and hallways. More than 50 security cameras will monitor what goes on throughout the building. All Justice Center employees park in a secured parking lot behind a fence, and have key cards that allow them access to secured entrances. Judges have their own fenced parking lot and entrance door.

The witness stands are completely handicapped accessible with a floor that raises and lowers. Jurors can view evidence on video screens in their section, with one screen for every two jurors.

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