BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County Tourism is now offering office space and rooms for rent to small businesses on the first floor of the Historic Martin County Courthouse, officials announced during a commission meeting March 17.

The rental space is part of the Tourism Commission’s effort to breathe new life into the historic structure in Inez. Officials are working to transform the old courthouse into a wedding and events venue, a commercial kitchen and a cultural museum.

Public invited to open house

Residents will have a chance to preview some of the courthouse updates during an open house scheduled for Sunday, April 13, from 2 to 5 p.m. Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty will deliver opening remarks at 2 p.m. in the large courtroom.

“It looks awesome,” Tourism Commission chairperson Nita Collier said of the progress.

That progress comes despite a major setback April 12, 2023, when a fire broke out on the second floor of the courthouse’s east wing. The blaze caused extensive damage and was followed by two years of repair work to restore the historic building.