Spartanburg County Courthouse + Judicial Center
As Spartanburg County’s population continued to grow, its 1958 courthouse could no longer support the space, security, technology, and operational needs of a modern judicial system. Following voter approval of a penny sales tax referendum, the County launched one of the largest civic investments in its history to create a new judicial center capable of serving the community for decades to come.
A Modern Judicial Center Designed to Meet Growing Demands
McMillan Pazdan Smith provided planning, architecture, and interior design services for the new Spartanburg County Courthouse, a 330,000 SF facility that is now the largest courthouse in South Carolina. The seven-story judicial center houses circuit, family, probate, and Magistrate Courts while bringing together critical judicial, administrative, and public safety functions under one roof.
A courthouse is more than just a building. A courthouse is the focal point in a community. It has a purpose. The courthouse, quite frankly, is what keeps a community together, because it is the seat of the rule of law.”
– Donald Beatty, SC Chief Justice quoted at the groundbreaking
Maintaining Court Operations Throughout Construction
One of the project’s greatest challenges was construction on the same site as the existing courthouse, which remained fully operational throughout the process. Careful phasing, logistics planning, and coordination allowed court proceedings and public services to continue uninterrupted while more than 300 construction and trade personnel worked onsite during peak construction periods.
Timeless Civic Architecture Delivered Efficiently
The new facility provides a secure, efficient, and welcoming environment for the public, court staff, judges, and partner agencies. Designed with a timeless civic presence, the courthouse incorporates extensive architectural precast elements that deliver the permanence and dignity associated with traditional stone construction while supporting schedule efficiency, durability, and long-term value.
Upon completion, the former courthouse will be replaced with a public plaza that strengthens the connection between the judicial center and downtown Spartanburg, creating a civic destination that serves both the courts and the broader community.
In association with SSOE | Stevens & Wilkinson (for new courthouse building design)