May 23, 2026 By Mike Jones 4 min read

The majestic front doors of the Washington County Courthouse will swing open once again this week after being closed to the public for nearly seven years.

County and courthouse officials plan to hold a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday to celebrate the grand reopening of the front entrance in the portico on South Main Street in Washington.

“After years of waiting, the front doors of the courthouse will reopen,” Washington County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Valarie Costanzo said in a written statement. “The reopening of the doors to a grand and historic entrance symbolizes not only a return to tradition, but a renewed commitment to openness and accessibility to all who seek justice.”

The main entrance has been closed since late 2019 when the portico underwent reconstruction, and then remained closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent security measures in recent years. The entryway along West Cherry Alley next to the Family Court Center made for streamlined security by having just one entrance, but court and county officials made a push in recent years to reopen the front doors since it had caused some confusion to visitors trying to enter from South Main Street.

In addition to the new doors, security has been overhauled with high-tech weapons detection systems that use artificial intelligence to assist sheriff’s deputies in screening visitors upon entering the building. The Evolv Express Weapons Screening units and Evolv eXpedite baggage X-ray units – placed at both the main entrance and side doors – are the first AI-assisted screening equipment to be used in a courthouse in Pennsylvania.

The sheriff’s office and county’s building and grounds team worked hand-in-hand on the logistics of the entryway to the main entrance to ensure it would offer a safe working environment for deputies as they protect the courthouse.

“Safety and wellbeing of our courthouse staff and visitors is top priority to our sheriff’s office,” Washington County Sheriff Tony Andronas said in a written statement. “As part of our continued security efforts, the installation of the Evolv Weapons Detection System at entrances will allow our deputies to add another layer to our comprehensive security plan.”

Last July, the county commissioners approved a nearly $200,000 bid for Cecil Township-based StoneMile to build and install the six brand-new 10-foot-tall doors. They replace the previous doors made from Brazilian mahogany wood that had been at the courthouse since its opening in 1900, but were badly worn from extensive weather damage over their lifespan. StoneMile crews installed the new doors in late December, but other logistical work needed to be completed in the security screening area before the main entrance was ready for visitors once again.

The three county commissioners said the project balances preservation of the courthouse’s historic character with modern safety improvements designed to better serve residents and visitors. Commissioner Larry Maggi said the security upgrades and the new doors allowed them to “combine safety and charm to the building,” while fellow Commissioner Electra Janis added the “historic structure deserves a grand entrance” for the public to enjoy.

“This change is important to the visibility and accessibility of our courthouse, and the added layer of security helps ensure we continue protecting the citizens who visit this historic building each day,” commission Chairman Nick Sherman said. “It also adds new life to our downtown business district and reflects that the front doors of our courthouse just like our city and county are open to business.”

The public is invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday morning, and the main entrance will then be ready for visitors to use daily. The day will conclude with the annual Law Day celebration organized by the Washington County Bar Association at 6 p.m. at the courthouse.