Pender County plans new courthouse amid expansion and security needs

The Pender County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) convened for the second day of their retreat on March 21, 2025, to discuss ongoing projects and future developments within the county. The meeting focused on several key construction initiatives, including the law enforcement center, the Health and Human Services Building, and the expansion of Kiwanis Park, Phase 4, alongside Central Pender Park.

The discussion began with an overview of current projects under construction, highlighting the K-8 school as a significant addition to the community. Following this, the board addressed the need for expanded architectural and engineering services for three critical projects: the animal shelter, the courthouse, and the emergency operations center.

The courthouse project was a focal point of the meeting, with Ted Cole from Davenport Public Finance providing insights into its background. The existing Pender County Courthouse, built in 1935, has faced significant challenges, particularly following Hurricane Florence in 2018, which necessitated approximately $6.6 million in maintenance improvements due to extensive damage. The courthouse officials have long advocated for a new facility, citing the building's age, inadequate space for staff, and pressing security concerns as primary reasons for their request.

In response to these needs, Pender County entered into an agreement with Moseley Architects in 2023 to conduct a spatial assessment. The architects presented two options for new courthouse facilities, with the first option proposing an 81,300 square foot addition to the current courthouse grounds.

The meeting concluded with a call for feedback from the board on the courthouse project, emphasizing the importance of addressing the growing needs of Pender County's judicial system. The discussions underscored the county's commitment to improving infrastructure and services in response to community growth and safety requirements. Further steps will be taken to evaluate the proposed options and gather additional input from stakeholders.