Site and foundation work is underway for the Second District Court of Appeal, located across the lake from our WJ Headquarters. Nestled between St. Petersburg City Hall and the Historic Mirror Lake, the Second District Court of Appeal acts as a catalyst within both the micro and macro urban fabric of downtown St. Petersburg.
Following the rhythm along 2nd Avenue North, the Second District Court of Appeal is a beacon seen along the St. Pete horizon, unveiling the presence of justice, respect, honor, and the rule of law which shape our way of life. The Second District Court of Appeal welcomes its visitors with a grand public plaza facing the east towards downtown St. Pete and open views to the west for its users facing Mirror Lake. The massing curves in such a way to allow a natural framed panoramic view of the lake on one side and highlight the main entry Rotunda with Grand Precast Concrete columns on the other, visually expressing two sides that differ but carry the same language.
The grand courtroom and community room are located on the ground entry level, maintaining a more public relationship with the city square. The upper levels are more private and catered to the judge’s chambers and staffing offices with open collaboration spaces. The exterior façade is made of Precast Concrete Panels with traditional architectural elements such as cornices, columns, and contrasting finishes to visually distinguish the public level from the private levels above.
