Justice Center Complex

The Justice Center Complex is a courthouse and police headquarters designed in brutalist style in downtown Cleveland. It combines the police department offices, municipal court facilities, and detention areas within a unified structure occupying a single city block.

Construction began in 1972 and faced significant setbacks as officials disagreed over design and spending decisions. Budget overruns during the building process led to major delays before completion.

The four-story atrium with its glass walls creates an open interior space that invites the public through the main entry point. A sculpture by Isamu Noguchi sits at the front entrance, marking it as a civic gathering place.

The complex provides underground parking for visitors and maintains a clear entrance system through the main atrium lobby. Multiple entry points and signage guide people to different departments within the building.

The tower holding detention cells was designed to flood natural light into the pods, an unusual feature for such a large government building. This thoughtful design detail affects how people experience the space on a daily basis.

Location: Ohio

Inception: 1976

Architects: Prindle, Patrick and Associates

Architectural style: brutalist architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.50150,-81.69690

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:43