Cleveland County Justice Center

The new Cleveland County Justice Center in Shelby, North Carolina, will consolidate law enforcement, detention, judicial, and administrative departments across an 8.3-acre campus. Set for completion in 2026, the 343,000-square-foot complex will bring essential public services together in a single location, improving efficiency and accessibility for county residents.

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Campus Master Planning

Initial planning efforts focused on addressing the overcrowding and costly maintenance of the county's existing detention, court, and law enforcement facilities. After evaluating multiple options and developing a phasing plan, the final design centralizes operations to achieve significant annual savings in maintenance and energy consumption while keeping judicial functions in uptown Shelby.

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Efficiency Through Integration

The complex will include a 147,000-square-foot detention center accommodating 600 inmates, complete with intake, booking, medical and magistrate's areas, kitchen facilities, and administrative support spaces. A 46,000-square-foot law enforcement center will house the sheriff's divisions, including narcotics, patrol, civil operations, and investigations. The 151,000-square-foot courthouse features nine courtrooms, judicial offices, clerk of court facilities, district attorney offices, public defender spaces, and a register of deeds office.

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Community-Centered Design

The campus location in uptown Shelby provides convenient access to county services while incorporating advanced technology to support workplace requirements. The design prioritizes security through features like a centralized public entrance for screening and a direct connection between the detention center and courthouse, which eliminates transportation needs and reduces operational expenses. The county plans to develop additional facilities on site to accommodate future community growth.

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Architectural Heritage

The design reflects Shelby's rich architectural history, particularly the 1907 Historic Cleveland County Courthouse. While the 1974 replacement facility connected to uptown's core, it lacked the original building's commanding presence. The new facility combines historical elements with current judicial requirements, creating a prominent addition to the community landscape that welcomes residents through its public entry plaza.

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Collaborative Achievement

The success of this significant project stems from continuous collaboration among key stakeholders, including Sheriff Alan Norman, County Manager David Cotton, Assistant County Manager Keri Melton, county commissioners, and judicial officials throughout the planning and design process. The team includes judges, the clerk of court, the district attorney, the public defender, and the register of deeds, all contributing their expertise to the project's development.

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Future-Ready Facilities

The Cleveland County Justice Center strengthens community services through precise architectural planning, dedication to judicial processes, and commitment to public safety. The complex anticipates growth with adaptable spaces, ensuring it will serve residents effectively for years ahead. By maintaining its judicial functions in uptown Shelby, the center supports local development while enhancing security and operational efficiency for the entire community.