Historical federal building breathing new life

Who says an old building can't learn new tricks?

Remodeling of the old federal building on Fourth Street is coming along smoothly, said Commissioner Rick Currie this week.

The historical building, now renamed the Kootenai County Juvenile Justice Center, is gaining more office space to house county employees. One courtroom is also undergoing a makeover to be better suited for juvenile trials, Currie said.

The building, which the county inherited from the federal government last year, had been slated to be ready this summer.

Things are right on schedule with construction forecasted to be done in September, the commissioner said.

"It's a great old building and it has a new life," Currie said.

The building will house Juvenile Probation, Juvenile Diversion, Specialty Courts and areas for bailiffs. - Alecia Warren