News Flash

May 6, 2016 - Judicial leaders, City Council members and a host of others were among an estimated 150 people on hand Friday afternoon for the dedication of the new Circuit Court building at the corner of King Street and Pembroke Avenue.

The three-story, 73,664-square-foot building - praised Friday by Virginia Supreme Court Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn as a place where all residents can find justice - includes three jury courtrooms, two hearing rooms, an administrative area, judges chambers and other offices.

The courthouse also has an extra 4,000 square feet of space on the first floor - when compared to the old courthouse - for deeds and other records kept by the clerk of court.

Vice mayor and former commonwealth's attorney Linda Curtis talked about what it was like working in the old courthouse, where safety and accessibility were an issue. And Sheriff B. J. Roberts spoke about the safety features of the new building - including separate entrances and elevators for the public, defendants and judges.

The new courthouse cost $23 million and was designed to qualify for certification in the worldwide Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

The old courthouse will be closed May 9-17 while court and clerk offices are moved into the new building, which opens May 18.