April 4, 2025
Ellsworth, ME – The City of Ellsworth has entered into a Courthouse Collaboration Agreement with the State of Maine’s Judicial Branch and Mrs. Alice B. Wardwell relocating the new Hancock County Judicial Center from a site on Surry Road. The new site is a 17.9-acre portion of land owned by Mrs. Wardwell near High Street in Ellsworth, an equivalent swap from the 17.9-acre property at 120 Surry Road.
Marking a significant step in Ellsworth’s future development, at the January 7, 2025, City Council meeting the City Council authorized City Manager Charlie Pearce to proceed with facilitating a land swap of the two parcels, negotiate and execute right of way agreements for Merrill Lane, and enter into a contract to construct an access road linking High Street to the new courthouse site.
The 17.9-acre Wardwell property off High Street was selected after public input and analysis of alternative locations submitted by the community. The land swap agreement will transfer the Surry Road parcel owned by the State to Mrs. Wardwell in exchange for an equivalent 17.9-acre parcel from Mrs. Wardwell.
“The vision we have shared for decades is rooted in the belief that this land should serve as a resource for the people of Ellsworth to live, work, and enjoy for generations to come,” said Alice and Patrick Wardwell. “This partnership with the City and the Judicial Branch opens doors to that future, creating opportunities for housing, recreation, and community connection, including improved access to the Downeast Sunrise Trail and the natural beauty of Card Brook.”
The Wardwell property’s location in the city’s designated growth area offers the potential to attract new housing, retail, and service businesses. In addition, the project has the potential to create new access to key recreational assets, including improved connectivity to the Downeast Sunrise Trail and Card Brook.
Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill expressed her gratitude that, “We are thankful to the City of Ellsworth for assisting us to find a suitable site for the new Hancock Judicial Center that meets all the needs for a modern courthouse. We are also grateful to Mrs. Alice Wardwell for agreeing to this land swap. Her property was not on the market when we originally looked for a courthouse site, but her willingness to enter into this agreement means that the people of Hancock County will have a dignified place in which to access justice and resolve disputes.”
After discussion between the three parties, City of Ellsworth, the State’s Judicial Branch, and Mrs. Wardwell, legal representatives crafted the Courthouse Collaboration Agreement which outlines the following process:
- Land Swap Agreement – The City will facilitate the transfer of properties between Mrs. Wardwell and the Judicial Branch.
- Merrill Lane Right of Way – The City will acquire a right of way to provide public access to the Wardwell property via Merrill Lane.
- Road Construction & Utility Installation – The City will construct a 66-foot-wide road over Merrill Lane to meet public road standards and install water, sewer, and electricity infrastructure.
- Furthermore, the road will be accessible for construction vehicles no later than January 1, 2026.
- The City will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the road’s design, with final plans submitted to the Judicial Branch by June 1, 2025.
- All necessary permits for Merrill Lane will be submitted by July 1, 2025.
Additionally, a Wetland Assessment will be conducted to evaluate vernal pools and wildlife habitats. The Judicial Branch, with support from the City, will be responsible for obtaining all required governmental licenses, permits, and approval from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The City’s Planning Board and staff will provide expertise and review as the project progresses.
With this agreement in place, the City of Ellsworth is taking a major step forward in facilitating the new Judicial Center’s development while fostering long-term economic and infrastructure growth in the region. The development in this area is in line with the Ellsworth Business Attraction Plan and Housing Needs Assessment.
“This project exemplifies the strength of collaboration between the state judiciary and our city, showcasing how listening to community and council feedback as a team can lead to innovative solutions,” said City Council Chair Michelle Beal. “By finding a new way forward, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also making a long-term investment in our urban core that aligns with our comprehensive plan and the future of Ellsworth.”
For more information on the new Hancock County Judicial Center, visit:
State of Maine Judicial Branch’s Courthouse Building and Capital Improvement Project webpage
City of Ellsworth’s Hancock County Courthouse Informational webpage
