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County weighs options for new courthouse, agrees to advertise design services RFQ
Summary
County staff outlined two schematic options and cost ranges for a new Pender County courthouse and the board directed staff to advertise a 90‑day request for qualifications for architectural/engineering services to refine options.
County staff and Davenport Public Finance adviser Ted Cole briefed the Pender County Board of County Commissioners on a spatial assessment and two conceptual approaches for replacing or expanding the 1935 Pender County Courthouse.
Cole and county planning staff said Moseley Architects prepared a 2023 spatial assessment offering two paths: a 81,300‑square‑foot addition on the existing courthouse grounds (three stories) or a standalone facility on a new site. In 2023 cost estimates Moseley provided, the addition option was about $45 million in 2023 dollars and the standalone facility was estimated in the $58–60 million range; staff cautioned 2025 costs would likely be higher. Cole noted that the B‑1 (downtown) zoning in Burgaw limits courthouse construction in most locations unless rezoning occurs, which was the original rationale for an on‑site addition.
Commissioners discussed whether to proceed with a design‑build procurement or the more traditional design‑bid‑build method; staff said both remain options and recommended advertising an RFQ to solicit concepts and firm qualifications before committing to a delivery method. The board agreed to advertise an RFQ for architectural and engineering services and to run the advertisement for 90 days to solicit firm input. "An RFQ has been provided to the board, and we could advertise that," staff said, adding that advertising the RFQ would not commit the county to construction but would provide professional feedback on Option 2 (standalone facility).
Commissioners raised budget constraints given several large county projects already under way — the law enforcement center, the Health and Human Services building, the K–8 school and park projects — and several commissioners said they were not prepared to approve any tax increase to fund a courthouse immediately. Staff suggested scoping work and concept designs would help refine budget requirements and financing choices.
Why it matters: courthouse construction or major renovation is a large, multi‑year capital undertaking with substantial fiscal implications and site‑planning constraints tied to local zoning and downtown historic considerations.
Next steps: staff will advertise the RFQ for architectural/engineering services for 90 days, accept submissions and report back to the board with concepts and cost estimates for further direction.
