Walk into downtown Adrian and you’ll see it. That massive red brick tower poking 132 feet into the Michigan sky. It looks like something out of a medieval fairy tale, but it’s actually the heart of local law. If you’re looking for the Adrian courthouse Lenawee County uses today, though, you might actually be looking for two different buildings. People get them mixed up all the time.
There’s the "Old Courthouse" and then there’s the Rex B. Martin Judicial Building. They sit right near each other on North Main Street, but they handle very different parts of your life.
The Identity Crisis of 301 North Main
The "Old Courthouse" is the one you see on the postcards. Built back in 1884 and 1885, it’s a Romanesque Revival masterpiece. Honestly, the history of this place is kinda wild. Lenawee County was actually organized in Tecumseh first. Then, in 1838, Adrian basically "stole" the county seat title.
The first courthouse they built here burned to the ground in 1852. For about 30 years, the county just rented space wherever they could. They kept asking voters for money to build a new one, but people kept saying no. Classic government stuff, right? Finally, in 1882, the funds were approved.
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They hired Edward Fallis, an architect from Toledo. He didn't mess around. He used red brick with white mortar and Stony Point sandstone. The result is a building that feels heavy, permanent, and slightly intimidating. It’s got these massive carved double doors and a floor tiled in geometric patterns that looks like it belongs in a European cathedral.
Where the Legal Action Happens Now
If you actually have a court date for a traffic ticket or a civil lawsuit, don't just wander into the old tower. You’ve probably got business at the Rex B. Martin Judicial Building at 425 North Main Street.
This is the modern side of the operation. Built in the late 70s, it’s where the 39th Circuit Court, District Court, and Probate Court live. It’s a brown brick and concrete setup—much less "fairy tale," much more "government efficiency."
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Quick Guide to Who is Where:
- Old Courthouse (301 N Main St): This is where you find the County Administrator, the Board of Commissioners, and the County Clerk’s vital records. If you need a birth certificate or a marriage license, you’re going here.
- Judicial Building (425 N Main St): This is for the "legal" stuff. Friend of the Court, prosecutors, and the actual courtrooms for trials and hearings.
Survival Tips for Your Visit
Navigating the Adrian courthouse Lenawee County complex isn't hard, but there are a few things that will save you a headache.
First off, parking. It's limited. There are lots on the east and west sides, but they fill up fast, especially on motion days. Don't even think about parking at a meter on the street if you have a long hearing—you won't be allowed to leave to feed it. Also, there’s a lot to the west that belongs to a church; sometimes they close it for their own events, so keep an eye on the signs.
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Security is no joke here. You’re going through a metal detector. Leave the pocketknives, scissors, and any "tools" in the car. Interestingly, Lenawee is a bit more relaxed than some big-city courts regarding electronics—you can usually bring your phone in—but you absolutely cannot take photos or record anything inside a courtroom without a judge’s permission.
Why This Place Still Matters
Beyond the paperwork and the lawsuits, the Adrian courthouse is a massive piece of Michigan history. It’s been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991. If you look closely at the architecture of the old building, you'll see terra-cotta trim and classic reliefs that you just don't see in modern construction.
There’s even a weird legal footnote tied to this county: the Lenawee County Board of Health v. Messerly case. It’s a famous case about "mutual mistake" in contract law that law students across the country still have to study. It started right here over a bad septic tank on a property sale.
Actionable Next Steps
If you have business with the county, here is how you handle it like a pro:
- For Vital Records: If you need a copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate from 1867 to now, go to the County Clerk's office in the Old Courthouse. It costs about $16 for the first copy.
- For Real Estate: The Register of Deeds is also in the Old Courthouse. They actually allow eRecording now, so if you're a pro or an attorney, you can submit documents electronically through vendors like Simplifile or CSC.
- Check the Clock: Most offices are open 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. However, many of them close for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. Don't be the person standing outside a locked door while the staff is at lunch.
- Prepare for Security: Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time. The line for the metal detector at the Judicial Building can get backed up on busy mornings.
The Adrian courthouse complex is a mix of 19th-century grandeur and 21st-century bureaucracy. Whether you're there to research your family tree or settle a legal dispute, knowing which door to walk into is half the battle.