Four years after the city of Grand Prairie purchased a large lot downtown, officials finally broke ground to begin construction of a new sub-courthouse.
"This will be a big boost to the revitalization of downtown," said Mayor Charles England.
Located near the city's historic Main Street, the 31,500-square-foot building will bring 250 employees to the area.
"The town has grown so much in the past 20 years that we're now at almost 190,000 people. That courthouse was built for about population of 50,000 -- our old courthouse," said England.
Five different county departments will come under one roof, making it a lot more convenient for those living or working in the area.
The $6.1 million building is also eco-friendly.
Constable Roy Williams with Dallas County's Precinct 4 said he was impressed at the facility's green features.
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"We have energy efficient lights, energy efficient water, the building is going to be a lot more lighting, natural lighting," he said.
Williams also said he's looking forward to getting out of his currently aging workspace.
"It's been over 40 years, archaic is just the best way to describe it," he said.
Construction is expected to last about nine months and the building is slated to open in March of 2013.
