County leaders are working with the City of Lincolnton and other key stakeholders to determine the future use of the soon to be vacated county courthouse building in downtown Lincolnton. This is an exciting opportunity to increase economic activity locally.. Be sure and check out all the resources and information below to learn more!
Purpose of the Project:
- Ensure that the building continues serving all the citizens of Lincoln County by repurposing for the highest and best use at minimal cost to taxpayers.
- Allow the building to contribute to the local economy and to the City of Lincolnton’s downtown central business district.
- Solidify the building as a highly valued cultural resource by acknowledging the building’s historical significance, protecting the structure against demolition, and maintaining the architectural integrity of the exterior including memorials and monuments.
Lincoln County District and Superior Court will be moving into a new facility near the Health Department on Gamble Drive, projected in April/May 2022. The existing 1923 courthouse at 1 Court Square in downtown Lincolnton will be vacated as part of the process.
The county established a committee in January 2021 made up of key stakeholders in the community to help determine the future use of the historic building including: County and City elected officials and staff, Lincoln Economic Development Association, Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, Lincolnton Downtown Development Association, Lincolnton-Lincoln County Historic Properties Commission, and the Lincolnton Tourism Board. Others that were consulted include: The North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Lincoln County Building Officials, The Lincoln County Historical Association, Preservation North Carolina (PNC), NC Small Business Technical Development Center (SBTDC), the UNC School of Government, Local Historians, Rotary Club, and previous architects who completed work on the building in the 1980s and 90s. Also, a public survey offered the citizens of Lincoln County and the general public an opportunity to voice opinions and provide feedback on ideas for the future of the building.
The building has been designated as a Local Historic Landmark since 1992, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A report has been completed by county staff that provides examples of what other communities have done with historic former courthouse buildings in North Carolina and across the U.S.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up