For the first time in almost 15 years, the front door of the Hamilton County-Chattanooga Courts Building will be opened.
The Market Street entrance has been closed since the fall of 2001 following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger announced the decision on Thursday, saying the move is long overdue.
He said, "Our Courts Building is one of our most attractive downtown buildings and it is appropriate that the people of Hamilton County be allowed to access the building from the front door entrance."
According to a press release sent by the county government, visitors to the Courts Building will undergo the same security screening they do at the Cherry Street entrance and at the two entrances of the Hamilton County Court House.
Coppinger thanked Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond for his cooperation in reopening the entrance.