In a recent email correspondence, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance shared the following:

HDR appreciates that so many people are interested in learning more about the proposed judicial system expansion and its potential impact on downtown. For much of this year, we have been having a lot of meetings to uncover more information. We’d like to share what we know with you.

At this time, the Denton Buildings are the preferred option for court and office space expansion. In looking at concept plan drawings and floor layouts, it appears the preferred path forward would require their demolition.

We are optimistic that other options could be explored as thoroughly as the Denton parcels have been. Fortunately, it is early in the process and not too late to look at redeveloping municipally owned sites and other properties. What’s more, next year HDR will partner with the City of Harrisonburg on a downtown master planning process, which will offer a public venue for discussions about our community’s vision for the future and how judicial expansion can be accommodated in a way where its location and design can cont