History of the Minnesota Judicial Center

The planning process for the building was extensive. It needed to complement and fit in with the existing architecture of the Capitol complex and still be able to meet the needs of a growing judiciary. Space needs of the various departments had to be evaluated. Various geographic locations for the building had to be reviewed. The legislature had to allocate money over multiple sessions to complete the project. A national architectural competition was launched.

Areas considered before the decision was made to take the Historical Society Building were Cass Gilbert Park, at the northeast corner of Cedar and University Ave, and Leif Ericson Park, at the southeast corner of Rice and University.