PLYMOUTH COUNTY COURTHOUSE

Built in 1891, the Plymouth County Courthouse stands as a proud symbol of civic history in Le Mars, Iowa. When county leaders set out to renovate this National Register-listed building, they needed a partner who could help them navigate the complexities of modern upgrades within a historic space. That’s where our team came in.

Our involvement began by guiding Plymouth County through the RFP process. What started as a modest remodel of a smaller courtroom soon evolved into a comprehensive renovation effort as deeper needs—and hidden challenges—emerged. Like many century-old structures, this courthouse held surprises: deteriorated infrastructure, outdated systems, and limitations in accessibility and security.

We worked closely with the County to reshape the large courtroom’s layout, improving sightlines and ADA accessibility by relocating the jury and witness boxes and designing a new judge’s bench to enhance both visibility and safety. Our design preserved the courtroom’s distinctive historic ceiling while incorporating modern audio-visual, acoustic, HVAC, and IT systems to support today’s court operations.

As construction progressed, we remained responsive to newly discovered conditions behind the walls and above the ceiling—proactively addressing aging structural elements and integrating updates without compromising the building’s character. This project became more than just a renovation; it was a problem-solving collaboration rooted in stewardship, functionality, and care.