Cherokee County Courthouse

The project consists of approximately 20,000 square feet of two-story renovations and 24,000thousand square feet of three-story additions to the 1927 historic Cherokee County Courthouse building and clock-tower. The downtown Murphy site was increased to just less than an acre for secured parking. Existing exterior upgrades included re-pointing the locally quarried marble, replacing terra cotta, adding accessible ramps, and complete window replacement. Interior systems were completely upgraded, elevators added, along with expanding court/county operations. The plan was to respect and not overwhelm the historically significant courthouse.

The expansion of the existing courthouse was determined to be a priority during the county facility assessment process. The design/build fast-track project began with dismantling and reconstructing the existing boiler, installing and conditioning two semi-trailers for legal files, and demolition of the old “haunted” jail and basement that was located directly behind the courthouse. The new addition was constructed in it’s place. While this was happening the interior stairs were removed and replaced with accessible restrooms on both lower and upper levels of the existing building. Outdated restrooms on the lower level were then removed and reconstructed into county offices on the first floor. All court related activities were relocated to the upper level of the facility. Security measures were put in place at both the public rotunda entrance and private employee access to the rear of the facility. County activities were relocated off-site temporarily while the main courtroom and services remained in operation.

The addition includes mapping, deeds, prisoner intake and cells, sally port, storage, and the new electrical room at ground level. The main level aligns with the lowest level of the existing courthouse and includes all clerk of court services, file storage, and the employee break room. Two new court-rooms, small attorney/client meeting rooms, judge chambers, library, jury deliberation rooms, and secure prisoner cells are located on the upper floor. Three elevators were added for public, private, and prisoner separation. A monumental stair and skylight located alongside and above the existing marble exterior allows visitors clear and direct access to all areas of the addition on the public side of the courts. All work was in keeping with the original finishes, colors, materials, lighting, and character of the historic building.

The natural light from the skylight and expansive windows at each end of the new lobby brightens both new and existing courtrooms and offices. The existing courtroom was renovated to make a total of three courtrooms in the building - all accessed from a secure back corridor. The project was topped off with a new copper eagle and will remain the centerpiece of the community for many years.

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* Work completed by Jeff Sherer while Principal at a previous firm