ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT ANNOUNCES JUSTICE BUILDING EXPANSION
JUNE 18, 2021
A message from Chief Justice Dan Kemp:
I am pleased to announce the expansion of the Justice Building in Little Rock. In 2016, the Supreme Court voted to explore the possibility of two new additions to the existing building which houses the Supreme Court Library, the Court of Appeals, and the Administrative Office of the Courts. The effort will allow the AOC to have all staff under one roof, instead of having personnel in three separate buildings around the city.
In addition, an expansion will allow for over 10,000 square feet of meeting space, and an additional 7,500 square feet which will serve as a Capitol Grounds Visitor and Civics Education Center.
It was not economically feasible five years ago, but with lower interest rates, and an existing bond revenue stream, which paid for the addition that was completed back in 2001, we have now broken ground on the project which should be complete in a year and a half.
This new expansion will be the crown jewel of the Capitol complex. It will feature a mock courtroom, and a Civics Education Center, where Arkansans of all ages can go to learn about the three branches of government, the importance of civility, and how our state judiciary works. The Center will be an important facility for all three branches to gather, learn from each other, and illustrate why our republic is so special. I look forward to holding the grand opening by the end of 2022.
