CPL Celebrates Groundbreaking of South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center

A new regional resource is taking shape in Union County, North Carolina, with the groundbreaking of the South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center (SPRAC). CPL joined Union County Government leaders and state and regional partners to mark the start of construction on Oct. 15, 2026, for a facility that will expand access to specialized forensic pathology services across nine counties.

Currently operating from a temporary location at Atrium Health Union in Monroe, SPRAC has performed about 600 autopsies since opening in December 2024. The new permanent facility in Wingate will give the center dedicated space and specialized resources to support medical examiners, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and families throughout the region.

As architect of record, CPL is working with Union County and the project team to design a facility around the complex demands of forensic pathology. The 15,100-square-foot facility will include multiple autopsy stations, specialized laboratory and examination spaces, an X-ray room, evidence storage, and refrigeration capacity for up to 93 decedents. Mechanical systems will help maintain the temperature, humidity, and ventilation conditions required for these operations, while enhanced security and a site designed for future expansion will support the center’s long-term needs.

The impact of this facility extends well beyond its walls. By strengthening regional capacity for forensic pathology, SPRAC will support timely and accurate death investigations, provide resources to local agencies, and help families get answers after a loss. The center will serve Union, Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond, Rowan, and Stanly counties.

Construction is expected to finish in fall 2027, establishing a permanent resource that will support public health, public safety, and communities across the South Piedmont region.