Temporary power outages hinder reopening of Safety Building



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee County Safety Building reopened Wednesday, July 10th following an electrical fire in the Courthouse basement over the weekend.  Some filed into the Public Safety Building for criminal cases not involving a jury, however a new set of problems changed those plans.

Before the Milwaukee County Safety Building was set to open their doors they experienced a power outage around 7 a.m. Officials say the power was restored and the building opened to the public at 9 a.m. Then, shortly after opening their doors to the public, the Safety Building experienced a second power outage.

At this time, all power has been restored and officials are working to alleviate confusion and help those who report to the Safety Building.

People can enter the Safety Building through the State Street entrance or the top parking level of the MacArthur Square Parking Garage. They can also enter through the CJF and use the skywalk to get to the Safety Building.

Everyone with a criminal case or injunction hearing should report to room 117 of the Safety Building. Anyone with an 8:30 a.m. hearing time should report at 9:30 a.m. People scheduled to report at 1:30 p.m. should show up at that time.

Jurors should not report for duty.

The Courthouse is on track to reopen on Monday, July 15th.

A cause of the fire has still not been determined however it has been ruled that the blaze destroyed the electrical infrastructure of the Courthouse, which will need to be completely rebuilt.

In the meantime, the Courthouse and Safety Building will be running on generator power.