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1. Will the Historic Courthouse or any of the other historic buildings on the courthouse green be demolished to make space for the new courthouse?

No. The Historic Courthouse and all of the historic buildings on the courthouse green will remain. Construction of the new courthouse will not interfere with these buildings. Non-historic buildings on or near the courthouse green, like the Quonset Hut that currently houses General Services personnel, may be removed.

2. Why do we need a new courthouse?

The Historic Courthouse does not have the space and security features needed for our court system today. Moreover, courts, the Sheriff, and court support personnel are located in 7 different buildings in the courthouse area, which is inefficient and not as safe for employees and the public. The new court building will house all of the courts, offices for the Circuit Court Clerk, General District Court Clerk, Commonwealth's Attorney, and Sheriff's Court Security, as well as provide enhanced security, secure holding facilities, and more parking.

3. How much is the new courthouse expected to cost?

While there is not yet an estimated cost for the new courthouse, up to $28 million is the amount of the borrowing the County is associating with the construction and completion of the new courthouse.

4. Does the County need to acquire any land to construct the new courthouse?

No, the County owns sufficient land adjacent to the current courthouse green to allow the construction of the new courthouse and parking areas, without removing or destroying any of the historic structures on the courthouse green.