court house square PROJECT FAQS
Please read through our Frequently Asked Questions about the Court House Square renovation project. If you have additional questions or comments, feel free to contact Rebecca Logan at 609-408-0626 or by emailing [email protected].
Why are you renovating Court House Square?
Main Street Lexington decided to pursue a renovation of Court House Square, as suggested in the City of Lexington’s Downtown Enhancement Plan. The goal is to create a space that is more functional, accessible, safe, green, and respectful of and complimentary to the surrounding historic architecture.
Who is funding the project?
While the City is partially funding the project, the majority of funding is coming from private donations and fundraising. An updated list of donors is available on the main Court House Square page.
Who is doing the work?
We’re grateful to be working with two of Rockbridge County’s very own, highly-qualified contractors: Robert L. Faulkner & Son, Inc. and Garrett Landscapes. Both contractors have an extensive portfolio of landscape construction projects, and we feel confident in their ability to ensure the project’s success.
What is happening with the Veterans Memorial?
The relocation is complete, and a rededication ceremony will take place on Veterans Day on November 11, marking the 25th anniversary of the memorial.
What will the space look like after the project is completed?
Our plan makes the space greener and more level. Three terraces of pervious pavers with large planting beds on both sides will be installed. To fill the beds, we have selected plants that, unlike grass, perform well under trees. These beds are designed to be non-walkable, meaning long-term health for the plants and an overall lusher, greener space.
How many trees will be installed?
Three Ginkgo trees have been planted in the beds adjacent to the old courthouse building. Planted in the beds alongside the Hess Building are three columnar Regal Prince Oaks, a hybrid between the English Oak and our native Swamp White Oak. These trees were selected for their adaptability in urban conditions, the beauty of their foliage and structures, and with consideration for their mature sizes in relation to the surrounding buildings.
Want to learn more about the Ginkgo's fascinating history? Please click here for more information.
What plants are being installed? Are you using native plants?
The majority of the plants selected for the front court are native plants, but there will also be a few non-native, non-invasive plants that perform well in our region. These plants will be featured in the Square; click on any plant for additional information:
The Lawyers Row Garden on the east side of the Square will be planted exclusively with native plants. The existing Yew and Fringe Tree along the stair wall at Washington Street will both remain. The following are the proposed new plants; click on any plant for more details:
What is happening to the tables and chairs? Will I still have somewhere to eat lunch with my friends?
Yes! The tables and chairs will be relocated during construction and replaced once the project is complete. The new terraces will create a level area that is better suited for tables and chairs, and seven new benches will also be added to the grounds.
What is the next phase of the project?
Now that the memorial relocation is complete, work has begun on the remainder of the grounds. Please be mindful of the fencing and stay within the safe areas.
Stormwater connections will be completed very soon. Barring additional weather delays, we expect work to accelerate, with precast concrete pending delivery, which will then allow for paver installation. When the weather is appropriate, additional plantings will include approximately 72 shrubs, 1,096 ground cover plugs, and 198 perennials.
Will there be lighting at night?
Yes, new light fixtures will be installed, and all of them will be dark-sky compliant. All existing building-mounted light fixtures will remain.
When will the project be completed?
We anticipate that the project will be completed by early 2026.
Why are you renovating Court House Square?
Main Street Lexington decided to pursue a renovation of Court House Square, as suggested in the City of Lexington’s Downtown Enhancement Plan. The goal is to create a space that is more functional, accessible, safe, green, and respectful of and complimentary to the surrounding historic architecture.
Who is funding the project?
While the City is partially funding the project, the majority of funding is coming from private donations and fundraising. An updated list of donors is available on the main Court House Square page.
Who is doing the work?
We’re grateful to be working with two of Rockbridge County’s very own, highly-qualified contractors: Robert L. Faulkner & Son, Inc. and Garrett Landscapes. Both contractors have an extensive portfolio of landscape construction projects, and we feel confident in their ability to ensure the project’s success.
What is happening with the Veterans Memorial?
The relocation is complete, and a rededication ceremony will take place on Veterans Day on November 11, marking the 25th anniversary of the memorial.
What will the space look like after the project is completed?
Our plan makes the space greener and more level. Three terraces of pervious pavers with large planting beds on both sides will be installed. To fill the beds, we have selected plants that, unlike grass, perform well under trees. These beds are designed to be non-walkable, meaning long-term health for the plants and an overall lusher, greener space.
How many trees will be installed?
Three Ginkgo trees have been planted in the beds adjacent to the old courthouse building. Planted in the beds alongside the Hess Building are three columnar Regal Prince Oaks, a hybrid between the English Oak and our native Swamp White Oak. These trees were selected for their adaptability in urban conditions, the beauty of their foliage and structures, and with consideration for their mature sizes in relation to the surrounding buildings.
Want to learn more about the Ginkgo's fascinating history? Please click here for more information.
What plants are being installed? Are you using native plants?
The majority of the plants selected for the front court are native plants, but there will also be a few non-native, non-invasive plants that perform well in our region. These plants will be featured in the Square; click on any plant for additional information:
The Lawyers Row Garden on the east side of the Square will be planted exclusively with native plants. The existing Yew and Fringe Tree along the stair wall at Washington Street will both remain. The following are the proposed new plants; click on any plant for more details:
- Sweetbay Magnolia
- Black Chokeberry
- Oakleaf Hydrangea
- Virginia Sweetspire
- Possumhaw Viburnum
- Nodding Onion
- Wood’s Sedge
- Green-and-Gold
- Wild Cranesbill
- Coralbells
- Virginia Bluebells
- Cinnamon Fern
- Foxglove Beardtongue
- Christmas Fern
What is happening to the tables and chairs? Will I still have somewhere to eat lunch with my friends?
Yes! The tables and chairs will be relocated during construction and replaced once the project is complete. The new terraces will create a level area that is better suited for tables and chairs, and seven new benches will also be added to the grounds.
What is the next phase of the project?
Now that the memorial relocation is complete, work has begun on the remainder of the grounds. Please be mindful of the fencing and stay within the safe areas.
Stormwater connections will be completed very soon. Barring additional weather delays, we expect work to accelerate, with precast concrete pending delivery, which will then allow for paver installation. When the weather is appropriate, additional plantings will include approximately 72 shrubs, 1,096 ground cover plugs, and 198 perennials.
Will there be lighting at night?
Yes, new light fixtures will be installed, and all of them will be dark-sky compliant. All existing building-mounted light fixtures will remain.
When will the project be completed?
We anticipate that the project will be completed by early 2026.
