INDIANAPOLIS – Could Indiana finally be on the path to realizing a new judicial center after decades of discussions?

The idea of constructing a new building to house the state's courts has been in the works for years, even sparking controversy in the 1980s. However, detailed project plans have never been able to gain enough support to move forward.

Now, state officials are reviving the conversation. As a first step, Indiana’s budget regulators have approved a request for $5 million in pre-design funds this week.

Matt Kent, the chief financial officer for the Indiana Department of Administration, explained that these funds will be used to reassess the size and design possibilities for a new building. Officials emphasized that they do not anticipate using the entire allocation for the study.

It remains uncertain whether any final building plans will eventually receive approval.

The push for a new judicial building dates back to 1971, when the State Office Building Commission was granted authority to construct one. The original goal was to house the Indiana Supreme Court, the Appellate Court, and other related agencies. However, enthusiasm waned as the state focused on other priorities.

In the late 1980s, the proposal for a new building was revisited, with architectural plans for a $50 million structure. The design featured a grand, five-story limestone and granite building just north of the statehouse, with groundbreaking expected to occur in 1989.

But as construction costs escalated, the plan became a point of contention during the 1988 governor’s race. Once elected, Democratic Gov. Evan Bayh opted to abandon the project.

Currently, no request for proposals regarding the judicial building study has been issued, according to state procurement records. Officials have not shared a timeline for when proposals might be released, when the study will be completed, or when construction could potentially begin.