The project: The new Cabarrus County Courthouse in downtown Concord, NC is a transformative civic development that replaces a 45-year-old facility and contributes significantly to the ongoing revitalization of the urban core. The project consists of a newly constructed 240,000-sf courthouse and the renovation of 72,000-sf of the existing structure to form a cohesive and modernized courthouse campus including a striking public entry

The goal: The primary objective was to deliver a modern, secure, and highly functional courthouse facility that could meet the growing demands of Cabarrus County’s judicial system while enhancing operational efficiency. The design also sought to repurpose the existing courthouse to support administrative court functions and to create a clear, accessible experience for the public with improved circulation, safety, and comfort.

The design: The new courthouse is constructed with a structural steel frame and braced frames and includes a basement level with secure parking, mechanical spaces, and archival storage. Above-grade levels house 12 courtrooms, jury assembly and selection areas, legal meeting rooms, and support spaces for judicial staff. The design also includes a carefully engineered structural steel walkway that connects the new and existing buildings.

In the renovation of the original structure, the design team replaced nearly all exterior masonry with curtainwall glass. To maintain the building’s structural integrity, interior cast-in-place concrete and CMU shear walls were strategically added to restore the lateral load-resisting system.

The outcome: The completed courthouse campus offers a significant improvement in functionality, security, and public accessibility. It reinforces the County’s commitment to responsive civic infrastructure and revitalizes a key block in downtown Concord. With its blend of transparency, thoughtful engineering, and civic presence, the courthouse stands as a cornerstone of justice and progress for the community.