New Courthouse Construction Begins With Demolition

Demolition started today on the and the former Savage Law firm offices to make room for Fredericksburg's new courthouse at the corner of Princess Anne and Charlotte streets by early 2015.

The new 78,000-square-foot courthouse will be the home of both the Circuit Court and General District Court. The Fredericksburg Sheriff's Office will also have space in the building.

City Council will decide later this year if it will keep the court in Executive Plaza or move it to renovated space at where General District Court is today. .

The city has issued $36.7 million in bonds for a new courthouse facility that includes the following:

• Design new court facilities
• Renovate Executive Plaza first floor for temporary occupancy by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court
• Demolish the existing structures at the corner of Princess Anne and Charlotte streets
• Construct the new courthouse at corner of Princess Anne and Charlotte streets
• Move the Circuit Court out of Renwick and the General District Court to the new courthouse
• Renovate the General District Courthouse and move the J&DR Court to the renovated former General District Courthouse

City Manager Beverly Cameron recommended last month turning Renwick into a Council Chamber (in the current Circuit courtroom on the second floor) and the first floor could be office space for the city manager’s office, city attorney’s office, mayor, and clerk of Council. This renovation could cost about $5 million and Cameron said that is net of historic tax credits. Council could also choose to keep the in Executive Plaza and save money on the renovation of the General District Courthouse at 615 Princess Anne St.

Want Fredericksburg news and information in your inbox? Learn more about free newsletters here.