Williamson County Courthouse

Like many counties, Williamson County struggled to make its 146-year-old existing courthouse fit today’s justice needs.  After much discussion, the county’s commissioners decided it was time for a new courthouse, one that would fit the historical context of Williamson County in general and Franklin, the county seat, in particular.  The county also wanted better security and improved operational efficiencies.

The county tapped Heery to design its new 54,000 SF courthouse.  Heery included historical building references throughout the neo-classical structure, such as double columns, real stone, detailed grillwork on the buildings and a classical porch and lawn as a transitional element to the adjacent neighborhood. 

An unusual elliptical lobby doubles as the courthouse’s organizing element, allowing the public to see and access the court clerk, clerk & master and five new courtrooms easily.  Back-of-house functions, such as judges’ chambers and courtroom access and prisoners’ entrance and holding cells, are separate and inaccessible from the public side, enhancing security.