WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred in Whiteville Friday evening.

The event celebrated the renovations to the Columbus County Courthouse at 100 Courthouse Square.

The building has been standing for over 100 years and needed repairs. Leaders put almost $7 million towards restoring the historic building.

Restoring the Historic Building instead of building a new one was intentional.

“We know it’s such a vital part of Columbus County. You know it’s in the center of Whiteville, the streets come together and it really represents everything great about Columbus County coming to one point” says Jess Hill, Clerk of Superior Court, “We are excited people can come back to their house because it’s the people’s house and be able to come and enjoy this building that has been restored for the next 100 years.”

The ceremony was open to the public because leaders say it’s all about the citizens.

Judge Ashley Gore is the senior resident superior court judge in Bladen and Columbus County. Gore attended the ceremony and says it’s an honor to benefit from working in a nicely built courthouse and she won’t take it for granted.

“I want to make sure we are upholding the integrity of the building not only around it but what is done inside it and it’s important that we continue to administer justice without favor”, says Gore.

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