Glynn County Juvenile Center

What began as a need for improved juvenile court facilities became a greater opportunity for Glynn County—a chance to reshape how the community supports its youth. Treanor partnered with the County to design a new Juvenile Justice Services Center that not only meets court needs, but also expands access to juvenile programs and fosters stronger community connections.

Glynn County faces growing challenges with youth services, including one of Georgia’s highest truancy rates. The County envisioned a program-focused facility that could address these issues head-on and provide a platform for impactful change.

To meet this vision, the design prioritizes inclusivity and collaboration. Multiple stakeholder groups—including court officials, service providers, and community members—were involved throughout the process, helping shape decisions about program space, site layout, materials, and the overall experience.

At its heart, this facility asks a vital question: “How can this space improve the lives of youth and staff—together?” The answer lies in human-centered design that promotes dignity, support, and connection.

Connection is a guiding principle in this project—connection to community, to purpose, and to the future.

Architecturally, the Center aligns with the neighboring Glynn County Courthouse, establishing a unified civic presence. These “sister” buildings were intentionally designed to allow for a future Courts Building between them, strengthening continuity across the campus. While the Courthouse reflects formality and civic prominence, the Juvenile Center takes a more welcoming approach—communicated through site design and landscape elements that feel approachable, not intimidating.

This sense of welcome is balanced with high standards for safety and resilience. Located on Georgia’s “Protected Coast,” the Center is built to withstand severe weather events such as hurricanes, flooding, and high winds. The structure incorporates insulated concrete form walls and laminated impact-resistant glazing to mitigate storm damage and protect interior spaces.

The new facility replaces an outdated commercial office that previously housed the juvenile court system—an environment ill-suited to the services it provided. Now, the courts and associated programs are housed in a purpose-built, future-ready space.

Positioned next to the County Courthouse and Administration buildings, the Juvenile Justice Services Center is part of a broader vision to unify public services on a single campus. While integrated with the larger civic site, the Center also preserves space for future growth, ensuring that Glynn County can continue to adapt and expand its support for youth and families.