By Matt de Simone
The Fincastle Planning Commission voted last Wednesday night to approve a demolition permit for the historic Breckinridge Law Office–Western Hotel (LOH) building. This vote allows Botetourt County to move forward with its plan to tear down the aging structure and build new versions that look like the originals. This is a key decision that clears the way for the county to proceed with its courthouse square redevelopment plans.
The Board of Supervisors had already approved the plan at its July 22 meeting. On the same day, Deputy County Administrator David Moorman sent a letter to the Town of Fincastle explaining that the board had “endorsed a plan to memorialize the historic contributions of James Breckinridge and maintain the historic character of the courthouse square of which the LOH has been an integral component.” Moorman added that the county will “design and construct two buildings on courthouse square to provide interpretative representations of early Breckinridge Law Office and Western Hotel buildings before the two were joined into one building.”
The motion, read by Planning Commission member Bess Madonna, made it clear that demolition was allowed because the original buildings couldn’t be saved and because the county had promised to rebuild them in a respectful way. The motion read:
“Having determined that the James Breckinridge Law Office and Western Hotel buildings are not likely to withstand being moved to the new location, and with assurances from the County Board of Supervisors at their meeting on July 22 that authentic reproductions of these buildings, using as much of the original materials as possible, will be constructed on the site previously designated for the relocation of the original buildings, I move that the Fincastle Planning Commission approve the issuing of a demolition permit for these two buildings.”
During the meeting, members of the Fincastle Planning Commission expressed concern and regret about the need to demolish the historic buildings. Chad Henry asked whether the structures could be stabilized in place, but was told by county staff that the interior bricks were crumbling and the buildings were likely beyond saving.
Ed Bordett voiced disappointment over the short notice, which others shared, and was informed that the delay was due to project setbacks and a leadership change. Jay Saunders raised questions about the design of the replacement buildings, particularly why they would be separate; he was told the original buildings were never truly connected and were built over a century in stages.
Madonna acknowledged her sadness but accepted the necessity of demolition. Town Planning and Zoning Coordinator Scott Critzer emphasized the importance of salvaging and reusing materials from the original Law Office, especially bricks. The commission also supported involving local preservation experts to assess items for reuse before demolition begins.
The vote followed weeks of meetings with engineers, preservation experts, and local leaders. All agreed that the original structure—made from two earlier buildings joined together—was too unstable to move or restore. The county will now build two smaller buildings in its place: a 13-by-28-foot version of the Breckinridge Law Office and a 13-by-30-foot version of the Western Hotel. Salvaged materials from the original buildings will be reused where possible.
Though separate from the courthouse construction, these buildings will be paid for using leftover funds from the same project. A new historical display honoring James Breckinridge will also be created inside the Clerk of Court’s Office, using materials from both the LOH and the old courthouse.
Planning Commission approval was required under town code because the LOH dates back to before 1900 and is considered a historic structure. Under Fincastle’s zoning ordinance, buildings from that time period cannot be torn down without a permit unless the commission agrees they are unsafe.
To help guide the design and future use of the new buildings, a community advisory group will be formed. It will include members from the town, county, local historical groups, and the public. The group will also help decide whether to include utilities like electricity, which may be needed for exhibits or other uses.
County officials say work needs to move quickly to avoid delays in the courthouse project, which could cost up to $110,000 in penalties each month if deadlines are missed.
More details about the courthouse and LOH project can be found at www.botetourtva.gov/707/Circuit-Courthouse-in-Fincastle.
