Judicial Center Addition & Renovation (JCAR)
The Judicial Center Addition and Renovation (JCAR) project in Henderson County, NC, is a major capital improvement initiative aimed at expanding and modernizing the county's courthouse and detention center.
The project includes a 94,315-square-foot courthouse addition, renovations to the existing 99,100-square-foot courthouse, and expansions to the detention facility.
Henderson County commissioners approved the project in May 2024, making it the largest capital improvement in county history.
The project is currently in the construction phrase.
The expansion is necessary due to population growth and increasing demands on the county’s judicial system. Some commissioners expressed concerns about the cost, but the majority agreed that delaying the project would only make it more expensive in the future.
PARKING AND ENTRANCE CHANGES
As part of the JCAR Courthouse Expansion Project, we have several upcoming parking and access changes. We want to share them early and clearly so everyone feels prepared. Thank you for your patience—these improvements are important steps forward, and we’re here to support you throughout the process.
Here’s what to expect:
• May 21, 2026: The Youngblood Lot will open on Pine Street between 4th and 5th Avenue.
When walking from this lot to the courthouse, please stay on the sidewalks. For your safety, do not cut through the construction site.
• May 25 – June 5, 2026: The 4th Ave lower parking lot will be closed during this period.
We want to reassure everyone that the lower lot will not be closed at the same time as the upper lot. The lower lot will reopen on June 5.
• June 18, 2026: The south side secure entrance opens, and the top-level parking on the north side will close as part of this transition.
Ongoing reminders:
• South side parking remains open.
• Additional parking is available at the Church of the Nazarene at 2nd & Washington.
As these changes roll out, we encourage everyone to allow a little extra time for parking and entering the building, especially if you’re visiting during peak hours. This will help ensure you arrive comfortably and on schedule.
We understand that these adjustments take some getting used to, and we truly appreciate your cooperation. Our team is committed to keeping you informed, maintaining safety, and ensuring this transition is as smooth as possible.
