Smith County officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new courthouse on Thursday, August 15, 2024. The event featured the current Commissioners Court alongside past members, who posed for photographs after breaking ground on the future courthouse site. The new building is slated for completion in the fall of 2026. Demolition of the structures along Spring Avenue began last week, visible in the background of the ceremony.
Congressman Nathaniel Moran, who was Smith County judge at the time the courthouse bond was approved by voters, addressed the crowd of over 100 attendees, including current County Judge Neal Franklin. The courthouse design was created by Tyler-based Fitzpatrick Architects. Hoar Construction, LLC, based in Alabama, is overseeing the second phase of the project, which includes constructing a new parking garage to support the courthouse and serve the Smith County community.
