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Planning Commission approves historic‑review plans for Sussex County Superior Court addition with window condition
Summary
The commission approved a historic‑district site‑plan for an approximate 3,742‑square‑foot addition and related security/access changes at the Sussex County Superior Court building, subject to a condition to alter the new addition’s lower‑level windows to better match existing historic character.
The Georgetown Planning Commission voted Sept. 17 to approve the historic‑district site‑plan for improvements to the Sussex County Superior Court building at 1 The Circle, subject to a condition to modify two lower‑level windows on the addition facing the circle.
Vincent Saratella, project architect with Mansa Woodward Studios, presented renderings and technical plans for a phased project that would add secure circulation and interview spaces and improve security and accessibility. The project includes a secure vestibule at the main entrance, a rear sally port with four holding cells (for daytime detainee transfers), and additional office and judicial chambers above the holding area. Saratella said the work is intended to improve detainee and staff safety, protect attorney–client confidentiality during protected conversations, and address circulation and accessibility issues that create congestion on Market Street during court openings.
Saratella said materials and detailing will match existing elements where feasible: the design team consulted brick specialists to match existing masonry and plans to use window systems similar to the courthouse’s existing windows. He also said mechanical equipment would be positioned to minimize visibility from the circle and that the work would be phased so the building can remain occupied during construction.
During review, a commissioner requested that the two lower windows on the new section facing the circle be treated to match the façades of neighboring sections (for example, recessed or blanked openings similar to adjacent elevations). The architect agreed to incorporate that change. The commission’s motion approving the historic‑review site plan included a condition that the applicant address the windows as discussed; the project team said they will incorporate the change before final submission of 100% documents to the state for bidding and permitting.
The motion passed by roll call; Commissioners Allen, Roach, LaKeith and the presiding commissioner voted yes. The architect said a formal approval letter will be issued and that final construction documents are being finalized for state submission.
