In an effort to make Berkeley County Courthouse more ADA accessible, Proffitt & Associates was contracted to design both the renovations of the original building as well as the addition housing a new elevator, stairwell and access corridor. Great care was taken to provide these needed elements while being sensitive to the grand exterior and interior of this historic Martinsburg, West Virginia building.

While limited in available footprint space, the Dryvit encased CMU addition cleverly allows for wheelchair accessibility, without drawing attention from the classically detailed front entrance. Flexibility in design, a trademark of Proffitt & Associates Architects, came in handy when unforseen foundation outcroppings were discovered upon excavation. This situation was handled quickly and effectively in-house with the placement of reinforced masonry at the proper locations. Work continued with only minor delay.

New ADA compliant restrooms were added to the first and second floors, while newly renovated offices are featured on the second and third floors. With these new renovations came fire protection issues as well. A fire-rated enclosure was added to the top floor of the existing stair well to address these concerns. Also, a much needed elevator access was added in the basement area, in addition to a new elevator machine room.