In Progress: Staunton J&DR Courts Facility

The City of Staunton has officially broken ground on the new Staunton Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (J&DR Court) in the former Chestnut Hills Shopping Center in Staunton’s West End.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in front of the former Hecht’s department store, which sits roughly on the footprint of the future courthouse. A rendering of the new courthouse, designed by Moseley Architects, was on display.

Mayor Claffey reiterated that choosing the former Chestnut Hills Shopping Center for the court facilities demonstrates that the city is serious about investing in the West End. “With this project, a vacant lot will be transformed into a new civic and community anchor, which will spur additional growth and development in the important business district that runs along West Beverley Street,” said Claffey.

According to officials, the project is one of the city’s largest in decades, and completion is on a tight timeline.

That’s where Shockey comes in. Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. is building the new, 34,330-square-foot brick facility. Designed to be modern, inviting and open, the structure will be a two-story building with two courtrooms, secure program areas for the City Sheriff’s Office, Court Clerk’s Office, Court Service Unit, and satellite office space for the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, Office of the Public Defender, and mediator/victim advocate services.