Seems like justice has a new home. The Hennepin County Government Center serves as the main courthouse. It also functions as the government administration hub in Hennepin County. If you have a court appearance, you will most likely go to the government center.
Let’s talk about the building itself. The Hennepin County Government Center has a unique design. The building is H-shaped. This represents the logo of Hennepin County. Each H is a 24-story tower. The northwest tower houses administrative offices. These offices include county records and social services. The southeast side houses courtrooms and attorney offices.
Construction on the Hennepin County Government Center started in 1973. It finished in 1977. John Carl Warnecke & Associates designed it.
The Hennepin County Government Center sits on the corner of 5th and 6th streets. A tunnel runs under 5th Street. This tunnel connects the government center to City Hall. The Government Plaza Metro station services the building. It sits between City Hall and the government building. The tunnel also provides access to the federal courthouse. This is for the District of Minnesota. A skyway connects the building to the US Bank Plaza Building. It also connects to the Thrivenet headquarters building. A secure tunnel runs across the plaza base. It links to an adult detention center.
Before the Hennepin County Government Center, county offices were in the Minneapolis City Hall-Hennepin County Courthouse. The Hennepin County Government Center opened in 1974. It was occupied in stages in 1975.
The Hennepin County Government Center has catwalks between the towers. Sadly, people committed suicide by jumping from them. The catwalks are now enclosed by six-foot glass panels. A fatal shooting occurred in 2003. Security increased afterward. Measures included metal detectors and x-ray equipment. Philippe Petit, a famed tight-rope walker, once performed between the towers.
Several notable proceedings have occurred in the Hennepin County Government Center. Senator Larry Craig pled guilty to disorderly conduct here. Carl Eller, a Minnesota Vikings player, was found guilty of assaulting a police officer. Many other cases have taken place here as well.
In response to suburban growth, Hennepin County expanded its government. It built the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis. Hennepin County dedicated the building in 1974. Occupancy began in 1975.
When viewed from the northeast or southwest, the Hennepin County Government Center takes on a stylized H appearance. Each side of the H is a separate tower. Catwalk bridges connect the towers on several floors. Glass windows enclose the whole structure, forming an atrium. In 2015, the skyway-level public area was remodeled. It now features new seating, high-top tables with electrical outlets, lighting, and flat-screen TVs.
The Hennepin County Government Center stands as a symbol. It represents justice and county administration. Its design and history reflect Hennepin County’s growth and changes.