With the thoughtful integration of state icons in its design, the new Supreme Court of Maryland will capture the hearts of citizens while meeting the demands of a 21st-century judicial facility.
The new Supreme Court of Maryland is located a mile from the west end of historic Annapolis. Starting construction in 2025, the building will house the State Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals (En Banc and two hearing rooms), the State Law Library, Maryland Law History Museum, and chambers for 19 Justices and Judges.
The design of the six-story arced courthouse is transitional in style, responding to the demands of a 21st-century courts facility while integrating stately classical elements. Visitors are greeted with two curved colonnades that flank the front entry. Once inside, an elliptical atrium forms a heart around which the primary program components are organized.
Throughout the building, various design features pay homage to the State of Maryland. Upon entry, the state flag is proudly featured in the atrium terrazzo. Black-eyed Susan flower motifs are integrated throughout the building – including the custom carpet and terrazzo floors—while dancing crabs adorn the spandrels.
Historic marble columns from Benjamin Latrobe’s 19th-century Baltimore Exchange were restored and artfully placed behind the benches in each of the appellate courtrooms. Mahogany panels and plaster castings from the 1910 Supreme Court were restored and reused, and the court has been expanded by 50% to serve modern-day requirements. The precast concrete design is organized into a tripartite arrangement with ziggurat forms that enhance interior views.
The building site is bounded by Rowe Boulevard to the north, Farragut Road to the west, and the Sweeney District Courthouse to the east. Directly south, a secure road leads to dedicated judge and staff parking, while also providing service access to the walk-out basement. Public parking is available at the north end of the adjacent U.S. Naval Academy’s football stadium, and a pedestrian bridge takes visitors across to a public plaza and flanking courthouses.
The new Supreme Court of Maryland was designed to meet or exceed LEED Silver standards and is slated to be the first all-electric public building in the State of Maryland.
