The Harris County Criminal Justice Center in downtown Houston, Texas is a 20-story law hub serving Texas’ largest county by population. The downtown building at 1201 Franklin Street went through restoration and mitigation due to flooding after Hurricane Harvey. Reconfiguration and significant increases to the First Floor Lobby area were implemented in order to alleviate congestion at the Security Screening and Public Elevator Lobby areas.
In addition to Lobby Enhancements, a new southeast Elevator Bank (3 elevators) and northwest Elevator Bank (2 elevators) was added to expand vertical transportation capacity. Other First Floor reconfigurations included the development of new office area including the Probable Cause Court on the north side of the building and the provision of shell space for a new food service venue to include a full-service cafeteria and a coffee shop. All Courtroom Floors (8-11 & 14-20) received updated wall finishes in the Courtrooms, Public Lobbies and Restrooms.
Working with PGAL architects, FMG Design developed an experiential and wayfinding graphics program for the exterior and interior of the Harris County Criminal Justice Center renovation.