The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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May 15, 2009

Justice Center tours

Visitors impressed with new building

By Dan Nienaber

MANKATO — In a building full of high-tech security equipment, an eco-friendly heating system and modern fixtures, it was something simple that caught Danielle Duffey’s attention at the new Blue Earth County Justice Center.

“I think the banana fiber cabinets were the most fascinating,” she said.

The AmericInn hotel employee was one of several volunteers helping people take self-guided tours through the new building. The tours will continue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Much of the building’s interior, such as the cabinets and carpeting, were made with recycled materials. Even the shirt Duffey was wearing, identifying her as a guide, was woven from a recyclable fabric. She was given a two-hour tour earlier this week so she would be ready to answer questions.

“I think more people need to get out here because this is really nice,” she said. “I never got to see the old courthouse.”

It was Duffey’s job to direct people through one of the five courtrooms. Visitors were able to go out the back through a hallway that brought them past the judges’ chambers before sending them out through another courtroom.

The $42 million building has allowed the county to consolidate much of its criminal justice functions.

A popular attraction came early on the tour because visitors started by entering through the jail. Inside, they were able to pose for pictures in front of a height chart, in a cell or both. Bright orange jail garb added to the photo opportunities.

Tommy Pitts, 8, got a small taste of jail life during his tour. He didn’t want to take the tour, but his grandmother, Janet Pitts, talked him into it. They both live in Judson.

Highlights included seeing the jail (he didn’t think the beds or the jumpsuits were very comfortable) and checking out a Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Department squad car.

“He’s enjoying this a lot,” Janet Pitts said. “He didn’t think he was going to, but now he’s glad he came.”

Kelly Gage, a retired Mankato attorney, took the tour with his wife, Dorothy. They planned to end the tour by checking out a display that explains why the building has qualified for certification from the U.S. Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, facility.

They also took an accidental detour on a jail elevator that would have delivered them to a courtroom holding cell. A deputy explained it’s one of the building’s many safety features.

“I think it’s a great building,” Gage said. “I’m no expert on jail security, but it looks like a well thought out building.”

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