Responding to the needs of a growing population in Onslow County, the courthouse expansion has been in the planning stage for years. The complex program was a collaborative effort led by the design team. New flood plain regulations, existing building conditions and connection were key issues to be resolved in the beginning stages. Through a meticulously planned phasing of the project, the renovations and additions currently under construction do not affect the daily operations of the courthouse. The new three-story addition embraces the traditional context of the existing facility, while providing modern upgrades in design and technology to sustain the needs of a growing county.
The three-story building expansion is approximately 60,677 square feet, including a mechanical penthouse located within the gable roof, and an additional 38,954 square feet of renovation to the existing facility. The courthouse provides a large open lobby, ample queuing space, new traffic court, clerk/cashier spaces, district attorney area, waiting areas, four new courtrooms, judge’s chambers, offices, lawyer lounges, custody mediation office, conference rooms and state-of-the-art security systems.
