By
Ashley Waddell
staff writer
Last night a final proposal of a space feasibility study was presented
by Carter Goble Lee (CGL), an architectural firm out of Columbia, to
the Darlington County Council regarding the relocation and/or renovation
of the Courthouse. Previously, County Council determined that the existing
courthouse is too small and does not meet modern security needs.
There were three main sites proposed in the study for new construction,
including the north side of the Public Square and North Main Street
(behind the mural), a site near Blue and North Main Streets, and a site
near the Darlington County Detention Center off of Harry Byrd Highway.
CGL took into consideration many different variables while looking at
each site plan, including identifying applicable space planning standards,
assessing facility conditions as well as looking into project future
space needs.
After thorough consideration, weighing both the pros and cons of the
existing Courthouse, and conducting summaries of personnel needs as
well as space standards for courts and government, the project committee
appointed by County Council recommended the Public Square and North
Main Site.
CGL Associate Alice R. Painter explained that the site was recommended
based on it’s close proximity to the existing structure which
would allow for convenient interactions between court and government
departments. Also, it would maintain the tradition of serving the county’s
judicial needs in the downtown area.
It should also enhance commerce in the downtown area, as was shown in
an economic impact study commissioned by the City of Darlington.
New courthouse occupants under a maximum space allocation scenario would
include circuit court, family court, probate court, Darlington magistrate
court, clerk of court, probation and parole, public defender, and solicitor.
The renovated existing Courthouse occupants would include the following:
auditor, building/code enforcement, building/grounds, coroner, county
administration/county council, E-911 addressing, planning, tax assessor,
tax collector, treasurer, and veterans affairs.
New Courthouse occupants under a minimum space allocation scenario (a
smaller courthouse alternative) would include circuit court, family
court, clerk of court - circuit & family division, and solicitor.
The renovated existing Courthouse occupants would be probate court,
clerk of court - register of deeds division, auditor, building/code
enforcement, building/grounds, coroner, county administration, E-911
addressing, planning, public defender, tax assessor, tax collector,
treasurer, and veterans affairs. The magistrate court, County Council;
and probation and parole would remain at their existing sites.
The grand total project cost for the Public Square site (Patricia’s
Store area) with the minimum option would be $23,293,388, and $36,461,069
with the maximum option.
The North Main and Blue Streets site with the minimum option is $20,968,847
and with the maximum $32,841,952; and the Harry Byrd Highway site (beside
the Detention Center) with the minimum option is $20,686,862 and with
the maximum is $32,559,967.
The total project costs include the construction of a new Courthouse,
renovations of the existing facility, parking for new Courthouse, land
acquisition for new Courthouse and parking, as well as both hard and
soft costs and an annual debt service at 4.5% for 20 years.
According to CGL, the City of Darlington has expressed a desire to be
a project partner in the construction of a downtown judicial facility.
Painter added that relocation of the functions traditionally performed
in the Courthouse outside the boundaries of the county seat is of “questionable
legality due to statutory requirements,“ and that she is not aware
of another county in the state of South Carolina that has a courthouse
outside the city limits.
The firm determined that the existing Courthouse is “best suited”
for administrative facilities such as office space and small conference
rooms, but not large assembly spaces. They reported that the shell of
the building is in pretty good shape, meaning that the weatherproofing
systems appear to be in adequate condition; the walls and windows are
mostly weather tight; and the roof drainage system is functional.
However, the major issues with the building the firm reported are the
security access issues and the general inadequate layout of the interior.
They specifically sited multiple entrances and a poor flow of foot traffic
inside. The interior finishes, such as well treatments and floor materials,
are in poor condition and there are several instances of mold and mildew
that they’ve observed in the building. It’s also deficient
in meeting ADA requirements concerning handicap accessibility.
If major renovations take place on the existing Courthouse, substantial
upgrades would be mandatory to meet current code requirements. The new/upgraded
system requirements would include fire alarms, sprinklers, and advancements
regarding seismic activity (the area is on an earthquake fault).
County Council will make the final determination regarding the location
of the Courthouse as well as which renovation/reconstruction plan is
chosen. County Council Chairman Billy Baldwin said it would take Council
“some time” to go through and dissect all the information
they were provided with, and to see which site would best fulfill the
county's needs.
Baldwin added that it would be “more than appropriate” to
include the City of Darlington in future workshops and discussions to
determine which site plan is best for both the city and county.
Look in next week’s News & Press for a more in-depth story
on the final Courthouse proposals to include comments from County Council
members, city officials and members of the project committee.
Contact
County Council members with your opinion.
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