Dodge County Courthouse and Annex Remodeling

The Dodge County Courthouse is the oldest working courthouse in Minnesota, but it suffered from a poor renovation in the 1970s that removed much of the original historic character. Attached to the courthouse was an addition that housed all other county departments. In 2006, Wold Architects and Engineers was hired to develop a long-range plan that would determine county needs for the next 20 years and beyond. This study's key outcome was a county's commitment to maintaining the Dodge County Courthouse as a working courts facility. With this commitment came a directive from the Board to renovate the historic courthouse in a way that honored the history of the building and would complement the original design. Utilizing old drawings and historical photographs, we were able to duplicate much of the original millwork details and trim and create new court spaces that reflect the history of the building while allowing for modern court operations. A single entry point for the public was also added with security screening to create a safer space for the public and staff.

To support other departmental needs and to provide greater security to the courthouse, it was determined that a new location was needed for all non-court related departments that included Administration, Finance, Land Records, IT and Environmental Services. In 2011, the county purchased the old Mantorville School to renovate the building for these departments. These renovations and additions were complete in 2013.