By Matt de Simone
A group of residents gathered at the Fincastle Library last Thursday to hear updates on the ongoing construction of the new Botetourt County Circuit Courthouse. Capital Projects Manager Rich Evans led the session, offering a detailed overview of the project’s next steps and responding to questions from attendees.
Evans addressed recent developments, including the demolition of the old courthouse structure, the planned relocation of the historic Breckinridge Law Offices and Hotel, and the movement of historic records. He also provided insight into the new courthouse design – a two-story structure with a basement totaling approximately 40,420 square feet. The building will include three elevators: two servicing all floors, and one dedicated to the basement’s sallyport entrance and the second floor.
The courthouse is scheduled for completion in July 2027. Evans noted that the project remains on schedule, stating, “We’re actually doing quite well.”
Demolition materials are currently being removed from the site. While the main structure is gone, the old basement still needs to be torn out – a process expected to take about six weeks. “We have to separate out all the materials – the metals from the mortars, from the rock, from the wood – that’s our main focus over the next six weeks,” Evans explained. He also mentioned that further rock removal is planned for the construction of retaining walls and the foundations for the relocated law office and hotel. Additional blasting will be necessary.
Photos by Matt de Simone
So far, blasting efforts by Rock Tec have been successful, with favorable reports on rock breakage. At least 11 more blasts are scheduled, with continuous notifications being sent to nearby residents and businesses. Evans added that once the basement is fully cleared, more blasting may be required, depending on what is found beneath the remaining structure.
To monitor the safety of nearby buildings, a third-party firm, VCE Inc., is conducting seismic assessments to ensure the blasts do not damage surrounding historic structures. So far, no structural issues have been observed.
Looking ahead, work will soon begin on new retaining walls. A smaller wall will be built approximately two and a half feet in front of the existing west-side wall and will include decorative planter boxes.
Other upcoming features include a new courthouse sign at the corner of Main Street and Route 220, and a gazebo that will temporarily house the historic courthouse bell. The bell will continue its tradition of ringing on New Year’s Eve and will eventually be placed in the new cupola once construction is complete.
Citizen questions during the meeting focused on the preservation of historic items, protection of surrounding buildings from blasting damage, project timelines, and the use of native (non-invasive) vegetation in landscaping around the new courthouse.
“I appreciate the support (the project has received),” Evans added. noting that he hasn’t received much negativity and that he appreciated that from everyone in the surrounding community as this much anticipated project is now well underway and expected to finish up in the next two years.
