NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Demolition crews are beginning to tear down the Old Norfolk Circuit Court Building.
Demolishing the 50-year-old structure marks the start of construction on civic plaza improvements. The building is mostly made out of concrete, materials will be crushed and recycled.
"It's good and and it's a nice savings for the tax payer as well that helps cut down on the cost of doing this entire project," said Lori Crouch, city spokeswoman.
Norfolk City Council began the plans to build a new courthouse and civic plaza complex in 2004.
Renovations will include raising the plaza to prevent flooding, enhanced public space, bio-infiltration plantings and extending Main Street to create a new public drop-off area.
The new City of Norfolk Courthouse opened in January of 2015 with the Circuit and General District courts.
Construction is underway on the second phase to include the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, the law library and civic plaza renovation.
The entire project is expected to be complete in 2017.
