ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 18, 2001) - Governor Parris N. Glendening today announced Board of Public Works approval of an $11.9 million contract for the construction of the John R. Hargrove, Sr. District Court Building in South Baltimore.
"This new court building is a fitting tribute to the long and distinguished career of Judge Hargrove, whose legal career of more than three decades was the model of integrity, ability and demeanor," said Governor Glendening. "He was a giant in the legal community."
The late Judge Hargrove's career is replete with accomplishments, as a lawyer, as a District Court and Circuit Court judge, and as a judge of the United States District Court.
"I know of no one who is a more fitting role model for the young lawyers of Maryland of every background than Judge Hargrove," said District Court Chief Judge Martha F. Rasin. "I know of no one whom judges could better emulate during their service than this good man whose name was virtually synonymous with the word justice."
The District Court of Maryland is generally the citizen's first contact with the judicial system. It handles traffic cases, civil cases up to $25,000 and landlord tenant issues. Because of this, it is crucial this court respond to citizen needs.
New Location, Improved Service
The new South Baltimore location will allow the Court to improve its service to the citizens of Baltimore City. It will provide a major court presence in this part of the City. Improved public access, parking, and service will allow the court to meet the changing needs of the residents and business people in the community.
The new courthouse will be built on a 6.5 acre parcel of land at Patapsco Avenue and 7th Street in Brooklyn. The 87,203 square-foot, two-story building will consist of five courtrooms and related offices for the District One court operations, including States Attorney and Public Defender offices. The approach to the building will be through a small plaza on Patapsco Avenue. Employee and public parking for 262 cars will be available with the future expansion of the parking lot to add 100 additional vehicles.
The board approved award of the $11,996,250 competitively bid contract to Roy Kirby and Sons, Inc., of Baltimore. The architect for the project is RCG/HOK, a joint venture (RCG of Baltimore and HOK of Washington, D.C.). Construction of the building, to be administered by the Maryland Department of General Services, is expected to begin in May and be completed in fall 2002.
More than 300 jobs will be created during the construction process. Additionally, the Minority Business Enterprise goal for the project is 20 percent.
Judge Hargrove's Career
During his career, Judge Hargrove served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, as a Deputy U.S. Attorney, and as a judge of both the People's Court and the Municipal Court in Baltimore City. Judge Hargrove was named the first Administrative Judge of the District Court in Baltimore City when the newly formed district court system began in 1971. Judge Hargrove was the first African-American to serve as the Administrative Judge of any court at any level in the history of the State. In 1974, Judge Hargrove was appointed to the Supreme Bench of Baltimore City, now the Circuit Court, where he served for ten years until his appointment by President Ronald Reagan to the federal bench in 1983. Judge Hargrove died April 1, 1997.
Chaired by the governor, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Comptroller William Donald Schaefer and Treasurer Richard N. Dixon. The board is empowered by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions, and other procurement actions.
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