Photo: WHSV3
Construction on Staunton’s new Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court is now 63% complete, with city officials expecting the project to be mostly finished by November 1.
Major milestones have already been reached, including the completion of underground utilities and exterior brickwork. Most of the windows are now in place, and crews are wrapping up the roof and outer metal panels. Inside the building, work on the framing, HVAC, electrical systems, and sprinklers is also moving forward.
“We’re really excited to see the impact this courthouse will have on the west end,” said Josh Knight, Staunton’s Engagement and Communications Manager. “We believe it’ll help spark revitalization in the area.”
The courthouse is being built on the former site of the Chestnut Hills Shopping Center. The project came about after the Commonwealth of Virginia ruled in 2021 that the existing court facility—shared by Staunton and Augusta County—didn’t meet state standards. That building, located at 6 East Johnson Street, is owned by Augusta County. Following a 2022 referendum, Augusta County voters approved moving their Circuit and District Courts to Verona, prompting Staunton to create its own separate court facility.
According to Knight, the construction contract only covers the courthouse itself. However, plans for developing the rest of the former shopping center property are in progress.
“We don’t want it to feel like a brand-new building in the middle of an old parking lot,” Knight said. “We’re working to make sure the whole area is developed and looks good around the same time.”
The new courthouse will offer updated, secure facilities designed to better serve the needs of the Staunton community.
SOURCE: WHSV3