A historic fixture originally constructed in 1905, the Towns County Courthouse was designed by architect Henry Whitehead, Jr. in the early 1960’s, and serves the community with a host of legal resources and safeguards individual rights.
Photographer: JandDImages
Completed
2024
Size
24,000 sq. ft.
Services
Architecture, Interior Design
As the county’s population grew, the original courthouse could no longer accommodate the court system and county commission. To address this, Towns County engaged CPL for strategic space reallocation and improved building systems, with the aim of creating offices for new staff, optimizing workflows, and promoting long-term sustainability.
Original historic Towns County Courthouse
Towns County Courthouse built in the early 1960s
A spatial needs assessment and conceptual design study were conducted, which yielded concepts for additions and renovations. These were further explored during subsequent visioning sessions with local officials as well as members of the community to ensure alignment with the public’s evolving needs.
The outcome: an actionable plan to integrate 12,000 sq. ft. of extra space, a complete interior overhaul, and other features aimed at improving both functionality and aesthetics.
The revitalized facility boasts a new roof and a significant addition that introduces three courtrooms, expanded office and administration areas for county staff, and dedicated holding cells for detainees awaiting court appearances.
Furthermore, a new stair tower satisfies contemporary building code requirements while serving as a standout feature, increasing the courthouse’s visibility within the downtown business district.
Thoughtful architectural details pay homage to the facility’s history, drawing inspiration from the original 1905 structure, with exterior elements carefully chosen to complement the existing brown brick façade and white arched colonnade. Patrons also benefit from an extended parking capacity and refreshed exterior landscaping.
Funded by the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program to prevent tax increases, this project breathed new life into an aging civic building to not only meet but exceed critical demand, all while preserving economic prosperity. The reimagined courthouse stands poised to facilitate impactful justice efforts for generations to come, tastefully blending heritage with modern versatility.
