The multi-level parking facility, located across from the Gregg County Courthouse at the corner of Methvin and Center Streets, adds nearly 300 parking spaces. It has drawn praise for its clean design, lighting, and safety features.

“We didn’t want it to look like a parking garage,” Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt said. “We wanted something the people of Longview could be proud of — a cornerstone for downtown.”

Parking in downtown Longview has been a persistent challenge for courthouse employees, jurors, and visitors for many years. The idea for a parking structure surfaced repeatedly in county planning sessions and public discussions, but it wasn’t until 2023 that the project moved forward.

That November, voters approved the $23.7 million bond issue by nearly 70 percent.

“People were ready. They knew we needed it,” Stoudt recalled. County leaders had already been preparing financially, setting aside $7 million in savings to reduce borrowing costs. The remainder was financed with a 20-year plan and a five-year call option, allowing for early repayment.

“We’re on track to pay it off early and we may even be able to reduce the tax rate when that happens,” Stoudt said.

Construction began in May 2024 under contractor SpawGlass, with Walker Engineering serving as consultant. The team completed the 293-space structure three months ahead of schedule and $1.4 million under budget.

“You plan for the worst and hope for the best,” Stoudt said. “In this case, we got the best.”

The building’s modern design features metal louvers, architectural lighting, and an illuminated county seal. At night, the structure glows softly, becoming a new visual landmark for downtown.

“It’s beautiful,” Stoudt said. “We wanted it to blend into the city, not stick out.”

Safety was a top design priority. The garage remains fully lit overnight, with constant security monitoring and regular patrols by both the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office and Longview Police Department.

“We wanted people to feel comfortable using it — day or night,” Stoudt said.

The new structure also includes offices for the county tax office, elections department, and veterans services. Their relocation has freed space inside the courthouse for expansion, including consolidating the District Attorney’s offices and expanding the District Clerk and IT departments. “It’s given us room to grow,” Stoudt said. “And our veterans now have a facility that reflects the respect they deserve.”

The new four-story parking facility is Gregg County’s largest project since the courthouse annex in the 1980s, Stoudt said. “It’s more than a place to park,” he said. “It’s a symbol of progress — and a sign of where Gregg County is headed.”

Up next for Gregg County, Stoudt said the county is in the planning stages for two additional building projects. The county is looking to add new precinct facilities in Kilgore and in Longview to replace older structures. Each facility would have offices for precinct officials as well as tax offices.

In Longview, the county acquired the former VeraBank property at Gilmer Road and Fairmont Street and plans to build a new Precinct 2 office to replace the Greggton facility located on West Marshall Avenue. Stoudt said the county is planning to construct the new building with modern conveniences, such as drive-thru tax payment windows. Stoudt said while the county has more planning to do, it’s possible residents could see work beginning in 2026 on the new facility.