GOSHEN, Ind. — A series of City office relocations is reshaping how the City of Goshen delivers services, improves collaboration and makes better use of public facilities.
Over the past several months, the City of Goshen has relocated several departments and offices. The purpose is to improve collaboration, better utilize public facilities and align services with operational needs.
The relocations affect Environmental Resilience, Buildings and Grounds, Parks and Recreation, Fire Administration, Goshen City Court, Goshen City Probation and the Goshen City Clerk’s Office.
“Our goal is to make the best possible use of the facilities and resources we already have while continuing to provide high-quality services to residents,” Mayor Gina Leichty said. “These moves bring related work closer together, create opportunities for collaboration and position us to serve the community more effectively.”
City office relocations bring City Court to the Historic Courthouse
Beginning June 17, Goshen City Court, Goshen City Probation and the Goshen City Clerk’s Office will operate from the lower level of the Historic Elkhart County Courthouse, 101 N. Main St.
The City is leasing space from Elkhart County following the opening of the county’s new courthouse campus. County offices and City departments now share portions of the historic building as part of its next chapter of public service.
The move places court operations in a dedicated courthouse setting. It also frees up space at the Police & Courts Building for expanded evidence storage and management.
Visitors may enter through the courthouse’s main entrance on Main Street and take the stairs to the lower level. City Court and the Clerk’s Office occupy the southern portion of the lower level. ADA-accessible entry is available through the north entrance of the building, and elevators are available inside the courthouse for access to all public areas.
Constructed between 1868 and 1870, the Historic Elkhart County Courthouse served as the center of county government for more than 150 years.
Court operations temporarily closed Thursday, June 4, to allow staff to complete the transition. No hearings, probation appointments or other court proceedings were scheduled during the move. The court will not issue failure-to-appear warrants or body attachments related to the closure period, and no one will face penalties or jail time because of inconveniences caused by the relocation.
The City and County plan to host a public open house at a later date in coordination with ongoing County office improvements and renovations within the building.
RELOCATION SUMMARY
- Previous location: Police & Courts Building, 111 E. Jefferson St.
- New location: Historic Elkhart County Courthouse, 101 N. Main St.
- Departments: Goshen City Court, Goshen City Probation, Goshen City Clerk’s Office
Fire Administration relocates to support future station improvements
Fire Department Administration offices recently moved from Central Fire Station, 209 N. Third St., to the Historic Elkhart County Courthouse.
The offices, including the Goshen Mobile Integrated Health program, are located on the south end of the courthouse’s main floor.
The relocation creates room for future improvements at Central Station, including women’s restroom and shower facilities designed to better support current and future firefighters.
The move allows the Fire Department to continue adapting its facilities to meet operational needs while making better use of available City space.
RELOCATION SUMMARY
- Previous location: Central Fire Station, 209 N. Third St.
- New location: Historic Elkhart County Courthouse, 101 N. Main St.
- Departments: Fire Administration, Goshen Mobile Integrated Health
Environmental Resilience and Buildings and Grounds share resources
Environmental Resilience is now co-located with Buildings and Grounds at 524 E. Jackson St., and shared maintenance equipment is based at the City Maintenance Complex, 610 E. Plymouth Ave.
Environmental Resilience’s work is closely tied to how the City manages land, facilities, trees, energy use and infrastructure.
Bringing the departments together strengthens coordination and supports more efficient use of equipment, facilities and public resources.
RELOCATION SUMMARY
- Previous location: 410 W. Plymouth Ave.
- New location: Buildings and Grounds Offices, 524 E. Jackson St., and Maintence Complex, 610 E. Plymouth Ave.
- Department: Environmental Resilience and Buildings & Grounds
Parks and Recreation expands activity at Rieth Interpretive Center
Parks and Recreation administrative staff have relocated to the Rieth Interpretive Center, 410 W. Plymouth Ave.
Environmental Resilience staff will continue leading environmental education programs at the facility, including classes focused on conservation, gardening, water systems, trees and climate resilience.
Parks and Recreation programming will expand activity at the center, increase operational hours and introduce more residents to the facility and its mission.
“Change like this is not easy, and I’m grateful for the patience, flexibility and good thinking people have brought to it,” Mayor Gina Leichty said. “These moves help us make better use of the facilities we already have while continuing to provide high-quality services to residents.”
Additional information about City departments and facilities is available at goshen.in.gov.
RELOCATION SUMMARY
- Previous location: 524 E. Jackson St.
- New location: Rieth Interpretive Center, 410 W. Plymouth Ave.
- Department: Parks and Recreation Administration
On The Move
HISTORIC ELKHART COUNTY COURTHOUSE
101 N. Main St.
Lower Level (South Wing)
• Goshen City Court
• Goshen City Probation
• Goshen City Clerk’s Office
• Opens June 17
• Public entrance through Main Street doors
• Public open house planned at a later date
Main Floor (South Wing)
• Goshen Fire Administration
• Goshen Mobile Integrated Health
ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE & BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
524 E. Jackson St.
• Environmental Resilience now co-located with Buildings and Grounds
• Improves coordination and resource sharing
CITY MAINTENANCE COMPLEX
610 E. Plymouth Ave.
• Shared maintenance equipment for Environmental Resilience and Buildings and Grounds
RIETH INTERPRETIVE CENTER
410 W. Plymouth Ave.
• Parks and Recreation administrative offices
• Environmental education programming continues
• Expanded public programming and operational hours
BENEFITS TO RESIDENTS
• Better use of City-owned facilities
• Improved collaboration between departments
• More efficient use of equipment and resources
• Dedicated courthouse setting for court services
• Additional space for police evidence storage
• Room for future improvements at Central Fire Station
• Expanded park programming at the Rieth Interpretive Center