Mulberry Building could house Family Court

So far, there's been a lot of talk but not much action.

Negotiations are ongoing for Family Court to be moved to the Mulberry Building located at Main and 7th streets.

State officials said Thursday that a firm timeline has been established for the project that would allow for the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to lease the Mulberry building and provide for renovations to the space to make it appropriate for a courtroom setting.

Jamie Ball, public information officer for the AOC, said the AOC is still in negotiations with the building's owners on an agreeable lease price.

Ball said the price being negotiated would be for leasing and renovating.

"They have gotten bids on renovations and have a low bidder," Ball said. "They let the bids this fall, received three, and selected one."

Ball said James Bauman, project manager for the AOC, couldn't speculate on a specific timeline because the AOC is still in negotiations with the owners of the building.

If negotiations should prove successful, then the low bidder would get the contract to begin renovations on the property, she said.

However, the new $18 million judicial center planned for the 4th and Washington area could be up and running within the next two to three years, so at some point the idea may become moot.

Still, John David Myles, Family Court Judge for Shelby, Spencer and Anderson counties, said he would relish an opportunity for more space.

Myles acknowledged space has become a problem for everyone in his arena.

There are two circuit judges working out of the same court room, which means he often ends up in the hearing room which can present problems given the often sensitive nature of family court proceedings.

Myles and District Court Judge Donna Dutton also currently share a secretary.

"Obviously, I would be thrilled to have the appropriate space," Myles said. "Hope springs eternal.