Augusta County Courthouse

Since 1745, Augusta County has constructed six courthouses, each marking significant shifts in the region's development. The 1901 circuit courthouse in Staunton guided judicial proceedings for over a century. As court dockets expanded and security protocols evolved, county leaders commissioned an intensive analysis of space requirements, leading to the creation of a 124,000-square-foot judicial center in Verona.

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A History of Analysis and Planning

Between 2002 and 2015, seven detailed studies and 13 different boards of supervisors examined solutions to Augusta County's judicial needs. A 1987 space analysis projected requirements of 268,000 square feet for administrative space within two decades. In response, the county acquired the 165-acre former Smith Transfer Corporation campus, positioned for easy access from Interstates 81 and 64.

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Design Continuity

The courts complex honors its predecessor while adhering to Virginia Courthouse Facility Guidelines. Red brick walls and white trim establish the exterior character, complemented by four classical columns at the public entrance. The triangular pediment and cupola maintain Virginia's courthouse traditions through contemporary construction methods.

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Efficient Space Distribution

The facility houses eight courtrooms across four levels, maximizing space through multi-purpose design—exemplified by a circuit court civil courtroom that serves double duty as a jury assembly room. First-floor operations include the general district court, clerk offices, and main record room. The second floor houses juvenile and domestic relations proceedings, while the third floor contains the circuit court and commonwealth's attorney services, including victim witness support.

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Security Framework

The lower level provides controlled access points and dedicated parking for court personnel. The courthouse's location, less than half a mile from the sheriff's office, juvenile detention center, and regional jail, enables secure detainee transport through direct connections. These supporting facilities relocated to the campus systematically: the sheriff's office in 2004, juvenile detention in 2005, and regional jail in 2006.

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Public Support Through Informed Decision

Following extensive evaluation of renovation options for the downtown Staunton location, the county presented residents with a clear path forward. In November 2022, more than 30,000 residents voted in a referendum, with 86 percent supporting construction in Verona.

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Campus Unification

The courts complex represents the final phase of a systematic consolidation that began in 1987. Between 1990 and 2013, county departments gradually moved to the Verona campus. This arrangement places judicial services within county borders and strengthens interdepartmental coordination. Over 100 staff members now work in spaces designed for their specific roles, supported by dedicated systems for climate control and audio-visual documentation.

Each section of this courthouse serves defined purposes while maintaining the dignity of legal proceedings. Separate circulation patterns for public, private, and secure zones ensure appropriate boundaries. Through this facility, Augusta County continues its centuries-long commitment to justice while meeting contemporary demands.