The Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Courthouse in Baltimore is scheduled to reopen Wednesday after a fire broke out in the downtown building last month, officials said.
The blaze broke out in an electrical room in the basement of the courthouse at 100 N. Calvert St. April 26, releasing smoke through all six floors of the building. The courthouse was initially scheduled to reopen sooner but was delayed, forcing court activities across the street at Courthouse East building, while those with juror duty were directed to the War Memorial Building.
"Our judges, clerks, and staff have shown great dedication and flexibility as we have strive to continue to offer crucial court services to the public," said Baltimore City Administrative Judge W. Michel Pierson in a statement. "We are also grateful to jurors and people who have business with the court for their patience and understanding during this time," the statement said.
The courthouse will reopen to the public at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Those who have received notices for jury service on Wednesday or later should report to the Mitchell Courthouse.
Circuit Court staff returned to the courthouse Tuesday to prepare to reopen offices.
Room 200, where the Criminal Division of the Clerk's Office, will remain closed temporarily until new carpeting is installed. Until then, the Criminal Division will operate out of Room 451 Courthouse East, where it will receive motions, expungements, and new cases, court officials said.
The Sheriff's Office will be located temporarily at the Domestic Violence Unit, 111 N. Calvert Street, Room B-1, until further notice, officials said.
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