Historic Orange County Courthouse
Hillsborough, North Carolina
Background:
Constructed between 1844 and 1846, the Orange County Courthouse is widely recognized as one of the finest and best-preserved Greek Revival-style courthouses in North Carolina. With its prominent original clock tower, the brick building and its surrounding Old Courthouse Square are the centerpiece of Hillsborough’s historic district. The last major renovation of the building in 1985 addressed structural issues and added elevator access, new fire stairs, and accessible restrooms. The building remains in active use for court functions and offices for district court judges and court staff.
Project Summary:
Orange County is undertaking a major preservation and improvement project for the courthouse and Old Courthouse Square. The initial phase includes assessment and cost estimating to guide building preservation, structural repairs, and improvements to the historic square. Future phases will restore historic features, upgrade accessibility, safety, and electrical, audio-visual, and lighting systems to meet court requirements, and develop a master plan for the historic landscape of the square addressing lighting, seating, plantings, signage, and drainage. JKOA is coordinating closely with court operations and with the preservation commissions of the county and town.