New Hanover County Government Center and EOC ls3p

New Hanover County Government Center
& Emergency Operations Center

The New Hanover County Government Center brings together 100,000 square feet of county office space and a 35,000-square-foot Emergency Operations Center and 911 Center within a resilient, future-focused campus. Designed to support both daily operations and critical emergency response functions, the facility serves as a vital hub for county government and public safety services.
LOCATION Wilmington, NC
COMPLETED 2023
SIZE 135,000 SF
SUSTAINABILITY LEED Platinum
PHOTOGRAPHER Will Page
AWARDS ASID Carolinas | Cape Fear CREW | IIDA Carolinas | Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA)

Resilience by Design

Designed to remain operational during extreme weather events, the facility incorporates a resilient building envelope and hardened infrastructure that meet FM4470 and ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 standards. Hurricane shutters protect all exterior openings, while impact-resistant glazing and framing are engineered to withstand Miami-Dade wind loads. Limited-area, FEMA 361-compliant punch windows with tinted impact glass enhance occupant protection, and reinforced exterior doors feature six-point connections for increased resistance to high-wind conditions.

A combination of tilt-up and conventional construction provides a durable, cost-effective solution built for long-term performance. Additional resilience measures, including protective screening for mechanical systems and impact-resistant glazing, help safeguard the facility from windborne debris during severe weather events. At the heart of the complex, the Emergency Operations Center and 911 Center are housed within a hardened structure supported by redundant mechanical, electrical, and technology systems, providing uninterrupted operations when the community needs them most.

Supporting Services & Future Growth

Recognizing the demanding nature of emergency response work, support spaces were carefully designed to provide opportunities for respite and wellness for staff. The Government Center is also part of a larger master-planned development led by LS3P. Upon full build-out, the mixed-use district will incorporate multifamily housing and retail uses, creating a connected environment that supports both county services and community growth.
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