STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) – The city of Staunton has decided to demolish the buildings surrounding the future Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court facility.
The city intended to preserve the buildings for future governmental use, but with claims of asbestos in the buildings the city believes it would make more financial sense to demolish the buildings.
Josh Knight, engagement and communications manager for the city of Staunton says the demolitions will not expand the budget already put in place for the project.
The future courthouse sits on the former Chestnut Hills Shopping Center which was acquired by the city of Staunton in 2023 after a 2022 referendum prompted the city of Staunton and Augusta County to part ways as to where their courthouses were located.
“It was going to cost a lot more to save them and then ultimately retrofit them than it would be to just demolish them now while crews are already on site” says Knight.
Knight also says to keep the buildings, the roof would need to be replaced at an estimated cost of $813,000 but demolition of the remaining buildings will cost an additional $125,000.
“What happens to the property is still yet to be determined”. Says Knight about the additions of buildings in the former shopping center. He also says there will be conceptual plans that will be worked on throughout the next year as a part of the West End Revitalization Plan.
The city notes the construction of the future two-story courthouse is still on track and is expected to begin laying the foundation the second week in July and the demolition beginning mid-July.
The Courthouse is Expected to be completed in 2025.
Copyright 2024 WHSV. All rights reserved.