The new Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye Sacramento Superior Courthouse located in the Sacramento Railyards is set to open next month. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County Superior Court

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – Preparations are underway to open the new Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye Sacramento Superior Courthouse next month in the Sacramento Railyards.

Located at 500 G St., the new courthouse will replace all court operations currently housed in the Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse, 720 9th St., and the Hall of Justice, 813 6th St.

“This new facility not only enhances the court’s ability to serve the public more efficiently, but also strengthens meaningful access to justice,” said Presiding Judge Lawrence G. Brown. “By bringing services together in a modern, accessible, and secure environment, we are better positioned to meet the needs of all who rely on our justice system.”

Phased Transition Timeline

The court will relocate operations through a carefully coordinated, phased move designed to minimize disruption to court users and the public. The move will occur over five consecutive weekends:

Initial relocation of select administrative offices and court functions will take place from March 28 to 30. Continued transfer of courtrooms and support staff will occur April 4 to 6. The completion of the civil operations move will take place April 11 to 13 and, finally, the final transition of remaining criminal operations from April 18 to 20 and April 25 to 27.  

Civil-related services are expected to open to the public at the new courthouse beginning April 13, following the third move weekend. The courthouse is anticipated to be fully operational, including criminal services, by April 27.

“Our phased transition plan has been designed to ensure that we continue serving the public with minimal disruption throughout this process,” said Court Executive Officer Kelly Sullivan. “By moving operations in stages, we are able to maintain continuity of court services while thoughtfully transitioning into the new facility.”

Designed to Better Serve the Public

The 18-story, 538,000-square-foot courthouse includes 53 courtrooms supporting a broad range of criminal and civil proceedings. The building addresses longstanding space limitations while improving access, security, and efficiency.

Courtroom features include advanced remote hearing technology with videoconferencing capabilities, enhanced digital evidence presentation, including large media files such as body camera and surveillance footage and multi-view video access with strategically placed cameras that preserve juror privacy.

Additional public amenities include civil self-help services, a jury assembly room accommodating up to 500 prospective jurors, food services and a children’s waiting room on the first floor, a dedicated Civil Settlement Conference Center and centralized criminal and civil public counters.

The courthouse features a single public entrance with four security screening stations and eight public elevators to enhance safety and efficiency.

With an estimated project cost of approximately $514 million, the courthouse represents a long-term investment in Sacramento’s judicial infrastructure. The project was developed and overseen by the Judicial Council of California, designed by NBBJ, and constructed by Clark Construction Group.

“The opening of this building is an exciting milestone for our court and our community,” Sullivan said. “As a prominent part of the Sacramento Railyards revitalization, this facility strengthens access to justice while serving as a welcoming and modern civic landmark.”

For updates, visit the court’s website at www.saccourt.ca.gov.