Smith County Sherriff Larry Smith at the courthouse groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 15. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Smith County’s vision for a new courthouse took a significant step forward Thursday morning as past and present commissioners and county judges gathered to break ground on the project.

“I want to thank all the business owners and developers that have existed here,” County Judge Neal Franklin said. “They had the downtown dream, which hung in there through the challenging years. It’s because of those business owners that we share that same downtown dream.”

More than 100 attendees watched as each participant, fitted with a hardhat, turned dirt with a shovel to mark the occasion ceremoniously. Franklin made remarks and thanked everyone for their commitment to the project, which has been more than 25 years in the making.

“Our theme for Smith County this year is ‘Breaking Ground.’ It means a couple of things,” Franklin said. “It means new relationships, but today, we’re focused on breaking ground.”

U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, former Smith County Judge, noted that many generations of East Texans and Smith County residents likely never thought the new courthouse would become a reality.

“What a momentous occasion this morning,” Moran said at the event Thursday.

For more than two decades, the community has had conversations and collected data about this project that led to the $179 million bond package, approved by 53.7% of voters, which also includes a new 540-space parking garage downtown.

“The result of all that process is a transformational project. It’s one that will make sure that we have a secure and efficient administration of justice,” Moran said. “This courthouse, in my mind, no doubt, will serve as a center point for a justice system that is second to none, for economic revitalization and growth in the heart of Smith County.”

On Spring Avenue behind the current courthouse, several buildings are being demolished to usher in a “new historical building,” Franklin said, adding, “This building is going to be there 100 years.”

“This building is going to be amazing for our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren. It’s going to be something to behold,” Franklin said.

While officials have noted history must not be forgotten, the sentiment of most is that change is necessary for progress.

“We value the memories of our past, but we know that greater days lie ahead,” Moran said.

The new courthouse will stand seven stories high with approximately 270,000 square feet; it will be “breathtaking,” Franklin said. It will feature eight courtrooms, with additional space for four more courtrooms to be added when needed.

This facility will also relocate the 12th Court of Appeals courtroom from the basement of the Cotton Belt building to the top floor of the new courthouse.

“Right now, you’re sitting in the sun, but when that building’s here, it’s going to cast shade across this entire square. It’s going to be amazing,” Franklin said.

The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.