The city and county have approved a design plan for public areas, sidewalks and thoroughfares as construction gets underway for the new Smith County Courthouse construction.

Building demolition at the site for the new Smith County Courthouse began Monday. Construction crews will spend the next four to five weeks clearing the plot of bricks, boards and scrap concrete.

“We’ll be watching as they do the [demolition],” County Judge Neal Franklin said. “We’re planning a groundbreaking for the new courthouse fairly soon.”

As progress is made, it is essential to reflect on the history of the courthouse, the efforts that initiated this project over 20 years ago, and where it stands now.

Historical Timeline of Smith County Courthouses

1846: The first Smith County Courthouse was a log cabin on West Erwin Street.

1848: The second courthouse, a 520-square-foot log structure, was erected on the East Ferguson square.

1852: A brick courthouse replaced the log structure at the center of the square, which was then repurposed as a jail. This courthouse was expanded and used for 57 years.

1910: The fourth courthouse, designed by CH Paige, became a downtown landmark with its clock tower and the copper statue of Lady Justice. This structure was notable for its beauty and significant community attachment. It was used for 45 years before it was demolished and replaced.

1955: The fifth and current courthouse, a six-story facility, was dedicated to accommodate various judicial and county functions.

Recent Developments and Plans

2000: A comprehensive master plan estimated a $156 million cost for a new courthouse and supporting facilities. A Task Force, chaired by Tracy Crawford, outlined the need for a new structure to support an expanding judicial system.

2003: Fitzpatrick Butler Architects was hired by the commissioners court to undertake analysis of potential renovations with the courthouse.

2005: A shooting incident at the courthouse highlighted security concerns, prompting immediate upgrades and shifting focus from renovations.

2006-2020: Various analyses and community input meetings reinforced the need for a new courthouse to address safety, security and logistical issues.

2021-2023: The commissioners approved property purchase and planning for the new courthouse. In 2022, voters supported a bond package for the project, which includes the courthouse and a parking garage, totaling $179 million.

Current Status and Future Outlook

2023: A groundbreaking was held in October and construction soon began on the parking garage.

2024: Demolition of existing structures started in August 2024. Also, the five-story parking facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2024.

2026: The new courthouse construction is expected to be completed by September 2026, with the transition planned for fall 2026.

2027: The final phase will see the demolition of the current courthouse and the completion of construction on the east side of the square.

The demolition of the old courthouse marks the beginning of a new era for the county. As the site is cleared, its a moment to reflect on the courthouse’s rich history and the decade of planning that led to this point.