Construction of New Sevier County Courts Building to Affect Parking at Courthouse

Sevier County, Tennessee – Sitework to prepare for construction of the new Sevier County Courts Building will begin on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. As part of the construction process of the new building, an estimated eighty (80) public parking spaces located in the lot at Lera Court and Commerce Street will be temporarily removed. Additionally, Lera Court and Commerce Street will be permanently closed beginning on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. 

Residents and visitors in and near the downtown area may notice the demolition of the “Karate Building” (125 W Main Street) and the “Edwards Building” (129 Commerce Street). The space currently occupied by the two (2) buildings is needed for the completion of the new sixty thousand (60,000) square foot Courts Building.

Visitors of the Sevier County Courthouse are encouraged to plan to arrive early and to utilize other public parking available in the downtown area. Suggested parking is available in the lot facing Forks of the River Parkway next to the Sevier County Jail, public parking lots such as the Historic Gazebo lot, as well as, street parking near the courthouse. Additionally, First Baptist Church – Sevierville has allowed parking at their lots at 430 Forks of the River Pkwy (adjacent to Burger King) and their main lot at 317 Parkway (off of Court Ave).  

For the visitors who require ADA assistance, a wheelchair ramp will be installed on the W Bruce Street entrance. Handicapped parking spaces are available at the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, the parking lot facing Forks of the River Parkway, and along W Bruce Street.

Customers coming to the courthouse for quick business items such as tag renewals, marriage licenses, property taxes, etc. are encouraged to use the designated thirty (30) minute limit spots available in the lot facing Forks of the River Pkwy.

“This is a historic and exciting time for Sevier County with the building of the new Courts Building,” said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters. “We understand that the construction is going to make getting to and around the Courthouse more difficult, but we are asking for your patience and understanding throughout the process. The finished product of the new Courts Building is going to be an asset to the citizens of Sevier County and will be something we can all take tremendous pride in.”  

The new Sevier County Courts Building is sixty thousand (60,000) square feet and at $34 million, it is the largest construction project undertaken by the Sevier County Government. Construction of the new building is scheduled for twenty-four (24) months with an estimated completion date of Fall 2025. In addition to the new Sevier County Courts Building, the historic Sevier County Courthouse is scheduled to undergo a multi-million renovation and reconfiguration beginning Summer of 2025.

For more updates on the construction, check our Courts Building Construction Website, Sevier County Government website, Video Livestream, and Sevier County social media channels.

Contact: Tyler Basler

Director of Public Affairs & Communications

Phone: (865) 774-3643

Email: tbasler@seviercountytn.gov