Journeys Spring 2019 | Page 12

10 things to know For more information on these programs, visit cabarruscounty.us or email [email protected] 1 First look at Cabarrus County Courthouse expansion plans The County presented concepts for the planned 250,000-square-foot Cabarrus County Courthouse expansion in downtown Concord to alleviate increased demand for courthouse activities and update the antiquated 45-year-old building. The massing renderings provide an idea of the general footprint, size, shape and form of the expanded courthouse. At future stages, residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on exterior aesthetic of the expansion project. Cabarrus hired Silling Architects, an architectural firm with decades of judicial building construction experience, to perform the design. Plans are for full project design to launch in April 2019. Construction is expected to begin in late 2020 and last between 24 and 28 months. The exist- ing courthouse facing Union Street will continue operation during construction. The project includes a proposal to relocate the courthouse entrance to Means Avenue. The expan- sion will also create a public space along with a pedestrian thoroughfare along Means Avenue between Church and Union Streets. The proposal will need to go before the Concord City Council to consider the proposed changes to Means Avenue. They will conduct a public hearing to receive input. As the courthouse expansion progresses, County officials will provide updates through stakeholder and public meetings and online communication channels. Visit the website at www.cabarruscounty.us and fol- low Cabarrus County on Facebook and Twitter @CabarrusCounty. 10 JOURNEYS Spring 2019