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 Rockbridge County Veterans Memorial has been relocated approximately 25 feet north to a more prominent position directly in front of the historic courthouse. This adjustment has both enhanced the memorial’s visibility and integrated it more cohesively into the redesigned square. The World War I-era cannon has been moved from the north corner and placed just to the left of the 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.
I like the grass area! Are you paving over the entire space?
No! Our plan makes the space greener and more level. The current site presents challenges with growing grass due to high foot traffic and shade, resulting in muddy, unsafe conditions. The solution so far has been to use mulch where grass will not grow, which makes the space more brown than green.
Our plan uses terraces of pervious pavers with large planting beds on both sides. 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.
Why are you removing the trees?
The large trees in the Square have been removed due to their decline. However, in all, the grounds will see a net increase in trees.
Three Ginkgo trees will be planted in the beds adjacent to the old courthouse building. Planted in the beds alongside the Hess Building will be four 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.
How big will the newly planted trees be?
The height of the ginkgo and oak trees will be roughly 15 to 18 feet at the time of planting. We have carefully selected high-quality large trees from reputable tree nurseries.
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 will begin on the remainder of the grounds. During the renovation, we will be mindful of any phase of construction where noise will impact the surrounding apartments, offices, and businesses. The contractors are local, well-respected, and professional. They will ensure the safety of the public by putting up fences around areas under construction, and they will be in constant contact with project chair Jesse Lyons and project overseer Rebecca Logan. Please be mindful of the fencing and stay within the safe areas.
Over the next few weeks, a trench will be dug for storm water drainage, and a pipe will be connected to the drain close to the sidewalk on Main Street. Entrance to the side of the old courthouse will remain closed until this is complete. After that, the dirt within the grounds will be excavated and leveled for the installation of the pervious pavers.
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 Rockbridge County Veterans Memorial has been relocated approximately 25 feet north to a more prominent position directly in front of the historic courthouse. This adjustment has both enhanced the memorial’s visibility and integrated it more cohesively into the redesigned square. The World War I-era cannon has been moved from the north corner and placed just to the left of the 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.
I like the grass area! Are you paving over the entire space?
No! Our plan makes the space greener and more level. The current site presents challenges with growing grass due to high foot traffic and shade, resulting in muddy, unsafe conditions. The solution so far has been to use mulch where grass will not grow, which makes the space more brown than green.
Our plan uses terraces of pervious pavers with large planting beds on both sides. 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.
Why are you removing the trees?
The large trees in the Square have been removed due to their decline. However, in all, the grounds will see a net increase in trees.
Three Ginkgo trees will be planted in the beds adjacent to the old courthouse building. Planted in the beds alongside the Hess Building will be four 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.
How big will the newly planted trees be?
The height of the ginkgo and oak trees will be roughly 15 to 18 feet at the time of planting. We have carefully selected high-quality large trees from reputable tree nurseries.
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 will begin on the remainder of the grounds. During the renovation, we will be mindful of any phase of construction where noise will impact the surrounding apartments, offices, and businesses. The contractors are local, well-respected, and professional. They will ensure the safety of the public by putting up fences around areas under construction, and they will be in constant contact with project chair Jesse Lyons and project overseer Rebecca Logan. Please be mindful of the fencing and stay within the safe areas.
Over the next few weeks, a trench will be dug for storm water drainage, and a pipe will be connected to the drain close to the sidewalk on Main Street. Entrance to the side of the old courthouse will remain closed until this is complete. After that, the dirt within the grounds will be excavated and leveled for the installation of the pervious pavers.
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.
