Grafton County
Courthouse and Administrative Offices Replacement

Civic + Cultural | Municipal:
Justice | Public Safety

Grafton County, New Hampshire engaged Lavallee Brensinger Architects to study the replacement of their existing courthouse. The process began with an assessment of the County’s spatial and operational needs through questionnaires and meetings with each department anticipated to be housed in the new facility. These needs were compiled into a space program, benchmarked against similar projects, and refined with the Courthouse Building Committee. Once approved, the team explored multiple site, building, and exterior design options before selecting a preferred concept that balances cost-effectiveness, security, and contextual fit. A detailed total project budget estimate was then developed for this option.

The proposed courthouse consolidates a wide range of County functions, including the Sheriff’s Office, Dispatch and Communications, NH DOC Probation and Parole, the Bar Association, the County Attorney’s Office, the Register of Deeds, the Maintenance Department, the NH DMV, and the NH Judicial Branch. Judicial functions include two Jury Courtrooms, one Circuit Courtroom, Judges’ Chambers, Clerk spaces, Jury Assembly, meeting rooms, public lobbies and waiting areas, as well as defendant holding areas. Security was an essential part of the design, emphasizing clear separation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, controlled screening at the main entrance, and distinct circulation paths for staff, court officials, and defendants.