Banning Justice Center Groundbreaking Represents 'A Huge Leap Forward'

The new Banning Justice Center "represents a significant economic development opportunity" for downtown Banning and the local economy, Mayor Don Robinson said before a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday.

A host of court officials joined Banning elected leaders, business owners, and law enforcement officers in packed city council chambers to celebrate the beginning of construction on the new facility.

"Since December 2007, the state of California and our nation have experienced a recession that has had a tremendous impact on communities like Banning," Robinson said in prepared remarks. "While the state and national economy are currently taking small steps forward, the Banning economy is taking a huge leap forward thanks to the development of the Banning Justice Center."

Other speakers included Presiding Riverside County Superior Court Judge Sherrill Ellsworth, District 5 Supervisor Marion Ashley, Associate Justice Douglas Miller, Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, and Assistant Presiding Judge Mark Cope, Riverside County Superior Court.

The new courthouse will replace the current, overcrowded Banning Courthouse. Completion is hoped for by Fall 2013.

The architect for the project is R.L. Binder FAIA Architects, LLP, of Playa Del Rey. Construction management is being handled by Gilbane Building Company of San Diego and Providence, R.I.

The total estimated project cost for the six-courtroom, 68,399-square-foot Banning Justice Center is $63.2 million, which includes land acquisition, architectural design, construction, and other costs, Teresa Ruano, of the Judicial Council of California - Administrative Office of the Courts, said earlier this month.

Estimated project costs financed by lease revenue bonds are $54.5 million, Ruano said.

The new Justice Center is considered a catalyst and complement for other development in downtown Banning, including the planned Village at Paseo San Gorgonio.

The project is funded by revenues from within the judicial branch, with no impact on the state's General Fund, according to the Judicial Council, the policy-making body for California courts. Lease payments that repay the bonds will be supported by dedicated court filing fees, surcharges, and criminal penalties.