LINCOLNTON, N.C. — As North Carolina's population grows, some communities, like Lincoln County, outgrow their courthouses.

A new courthouse was built in Lincoln County and has been in use since summer of 2022, but county leaders are figuring out future plans for the vacant historic courthouse. 

What You Need To Know

  • Lincoln County built a new courthouse which has been in use since summer of 2022
  • County leaders are trying to figure out future plans for the historic, now vacant courthouse now that was built in 1921
  • An architect is surveying the building and  the UNC School of Government is doing a market analysis to see what plans best fit the community
  • County and city leaders will meet in late March or early April to hear findings from research 
  • A survey went out to the community asking for input

Fred Hatley has been the Lincoln County clerk of court for 21 years. He spent 20 of those years working inside the historic courthouse on Lincolnton's court square. 

"I have so many memories. All the history we had in here at the old courthouse, its kinda sad to see," Hatley said. 

Hatley and staff moved out of the old courthouse last summer. Just dusty bookshelves and old furniture remain. 

Located in the heart of downtown Lincolnton, Hatley misses the hustle and bustle of Main Street from his window. 

"I miss being able to walk to the bank, and I could walk to the post office," Hatley said. 

The courthouse is 102 years old, more than past its prime, but Hatley says the history remains. 

Holding cell walls are decorated with handwritten messages by those who waited to face the judge.

Hatley says after more than 100 years, the community needed a new courthouse. 

“It was time, it was time for us to leave. I’s a beautiful old building, but that’s what it is, an old building. We didn’t have the new technology we have now at the new courthouse," Hatley said. 

A survey went out to the community, asking what use they would like to see of the building and surrounding square. 

“I’ve got so many crazy ideas. I don’t know what would be ideal, maybe some condos on the second floor," Hatley said. 

An architect is evaluating the building, and the UNC School of Government is doing a market analysis to see what would best fit and be feasible for the community. 

If you ask Hatley, anything will do as long as the building stays.

"I hope they never ever tear it down. It's too beautiful, too much history," Hatley said. 

The county has a page dedicated to updates with plans on the historic courthouse. 

County and city leaders plan to meet at the end of March or early April to hear the findings and research from the architect and UNC School of Government.