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Demolition Begins on Future Site of Franklin County Judicial Center

The Board of Commissioners took part in a ceremonial first strike at the project site on North Main Street signifying the start of the demolition phase of the Court Facility Improvement Project.

Court Facility Improvement Project

December 13, 2018

Three men in suits stand in front of a construction vehicle at a building demolition site. One man stands on the vehicle, while the other two stand on the ground.
Pictured (left to right): Franklin County Commissioner Bob Thomas, Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller (top) and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski stand with an excavator as demolition begins on the North Main Street site of the Court Facility Improvement Project.

Chambersburg, PA – The Board of Commissioners took part in a ceremonial “first strike” at the Court Facility Improvement Project site on North Main Street this morning. This signifies the beginning of the demolition phase of the $67.8 million project and sets the way for construction of a new judicial center.

Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller operated the long-armed excavator, equipped with a grapple. “This demolition represents progress—the County is taking action to meet the needs of a growing population,” he said. “Change is hard for all of us, but it’s our responsibility to ensure safe, secure and efficient County services,” he added.

For over a decade, Court and County offices have struggled with space and security issues. Scattered office locations have led to inefficient operations and confusion for visitors to county buildings. The Court Facility Improvement Project addresses these current issues and also plans for future growth.

“This is the first step to ensure a totally ADA accessible facility that will serve our County for generations to come,” said Commissioner Bob Thomas.

As part of the Court Facility Improvement Project, Franklin County’s Old Courthouse, rebuilt in 1865 after the burning of Chambersburg by the confederate army, will be even more visible as the focal point of Chambersburg’s downtown square. The architecture and placement of the new judicial center is designed to not only complement, but highlight, the historic building.

“This project preserves our history and lays the foundation for the future of Franklin County,” stated Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski.

Lycoming Supply Company is contracted to demolish and remove three buildings along the first block of North Main Street as well as the Sheetz Building on North Second Street. Demolition is expected to be completed March 2019.