PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jefferson County Commission Signs Agreement to Purchase 393 N. Lawrence Street as Future County Government Center
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Edwina Benites-LM, County Administrator
Phone: 304-728-3284
Email: ebenites@jeffersoncountywv.org
CHARLES TOWN, WV (November 7, 2024) – In a decisive step toward centralizing Jefferson County operations and enhancing services for residents, the Jefferson County Commission has signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement to acquire the property at 393 N. Lawrence Street in Charles Town. This agreement signals the beginning of a 120-day due diligence period.
This purchase agreement marks the culmination of over a decade of assessment and planning by Jefferson County officials, who have long faced challenges related to constituent access, limited space, aging infrastructure, and rising operational costs. For years, these issues have placed a growing strain on county resources and services, particularly as energy costs for maintaining historic, aging buildings have continued to rise.
"Our current buildings, with numerous unsecured access points, have forced us to restrict public access to protect the safety of our staff," said Director of Fleet and Facilities Management Laura Kuhn. "These facilities’ high energy costs and deferred maintenance issues have further underscored the urgent need for a modern, sustainable solution."
The need for a more efficient and secure space has grown as the county anticipates relocating its Tax Office to make room for a new magistrate within the court building. The new building at 393 N. Lawrence Street is envisioned as a unified county government center, designed to address these long-standing challenges. By bringing county operations under one roof, this purchase will enable the county to streamline public access, enhance security, and dramatically reduce ongoing operational and maintenance expenses.
Over the next 120 days, the county will conduct a thorough evaluation of the property, with an eye toward its suitability for modernization and adaptation to meet Jefferson County’s
operational needs. At the end of this period, pending final approval, 393 N. Lawrence Street will become the new home of Jefferson County government.
A packet of detailed information regarding the building can be found here.
For more information, please contact:
Edwina Benites-LM, county administrator- (304) 728-3284
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