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
A combination of tilt-up and conventional construction provides a durable and cost-effective solution for long-term performance. Resilience strategies, including tinted impact-resistant glazing and protective screening for mechanical systems, help safeguard the facility from windborne debris during severe weather events. The Emergency Operations Center and 911 Center are housed within a hardened structure with redundant mechanical, electrical, and technology systems that support continuous operations during emergencies.
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.