Photo by Matt de Simone
By Matt de Simone
At its July 22 meeting, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a plan to potentially demolish the historic Breckinridge Law Office–Western Hotel (LOH) building in Fincastle. The county expressed its intent to replace the deteriorating structure with historically accurate replicas that reflect its original 18th- and 19th-century appearance. This decision followed extensive consultation with local officials, preservation advocates, engineers, and construction experts, who concluded that the building could not be preserved or moved as initially intended.
The next step in the process will be determined tonight, July 30, when the Fincastle Planning Commission holds a 7 p.m. meeting at the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Meeting Room to consider issuing a demolition permit. According to Section 210 of the town’s zoning ordinance, buildings constructed before 1900 are designated as historic and cannot be demolished without a permit, unless deemed hazardous by the commission. This determination does not require a public hearing. If the town says ‘no,’ the county can later appeal to Fincastle Town Council.
If approved, the demolition will clear the way for reconstruction using funds saved from the ongoing Circuit Courthouse project. Capital Projects Manager Rich Evans confirmed that the county plans to use materials that closely resemble those of the original buildings.
The reconstruction plan is the result of a July 10 meeting convened by Delegate Terry Austin and John Alderson, Chair of the Botetourt Citizens Commission on Historic Properties. Engineering and construction professionals from Masters Engineering, Skyline Restoration and Maintenance, Jamison-Lewis Construction, and Wolfe House Movers presented a detailed assessment of the building’s condition and confirmed that preservation or relocation was not feasible. With that determination, the focus shifted to how best to preserve the historical character of the courthouse square.
A smaller working group met on July 16 to develop a formal recommendation for the Board of Supervisors. They proposed building two new structures: a 13-by-28-foot replica of the Breckinridge Law Office and a 13-by-30-foot reconstruction of the Western Hotel, which may be used for commercial purposes. Although separate from the courthouse project, these buildings will be financed through the same bond funds originally designated for LOH preservation. In addition, a historical exhibit honoring James Breckinridge will be created inside the new Clerk of Court’s office, incorporating materials salvaged from both the LOH and the old courthouse.
It is expected that the demolition permit application presented to the Fincastle planners tonight will include a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to reconstruction. During the July 22 meeting, stakeholders stressed the urgency of moving forward, warning that delays in the courthouse project tied to the LOH could lead to penalties of $110,000 per month.
Deputy County Administrator David Moorman presented the proposal to the board last week, and Valley District Supervisor Mac Scothorn raised questions about the inclusion of utilities in the new structures. Moorman explained that while the goal is to preserve historical authenticity by limiting utilities, some power may be necessary to support exhibits and preserve artifacts. Design decisions, including the final use of the reconstructed buildings, will be shaped through a community advisory committee.
This committee will include representatives from the Board of Supervisors, the Town of Fincastle, local historical groups, and the public. Its role will be to guide both the design and construction phases of the project. During public comments at the meeting, Ed Holt, President of the Botetourt County Historical Society, spoke about the legacy of James Breckinridge. His wife, Betty Holt, Regent of the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, urged the board to fund a structure that honors the original building’s significance.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the working group’s recommendations and directed staff to provide monthly updates on the project’s progress and its integration with the broader courthouse initiative. More information about the project is available at www.botetourtva.gov/707/Circuit-Courthouse-in-Fincastle.
