A plan to tear down historic buildings to make room for a new judicial center is moving forward.

The administrative office of the courts unanimously approved the plan to build a new judicial center in Pike County.

Not everyone is happy with the decision.

Demolition on the current buildings on the site could start in two or three months, but some who work in the buildings that will be torn down, plan to fight it instead of move out.

Attorney Larry Webster has worked in this office for 31 years.

Pike County officials plan to demolish it to make room for a new judicial center, but Webster says he does not plan on leaving.

“Who would want to leave home? This is my home. This place is the best museum in Pike County. It's full of memories,” Webster said.

Kentucky's Administrative Office of the Courts approved Pike County's plan to build a 30 million dollar, 90-thousand square foot building at the corner of Main Street, saying the current judicial center is too small and falling apart.

“As the area continues to grow, the need for legal services continues to grow,” Donavan Blackburn said.

County officials are currently condemning the buildings on site, including the Pinson Hotel, and a 150 year old building.

They will pay the owners the appraised value in exchange, but Webster plans to fight it.

“I'm going to contest their right to condemn. I was never consulted, never talked to, and the way this was carried out is a sad thing,” Webster said.

“The decision in the sense of location did not come easy. We all have sentimental attachments too, but the fact of the matter is, in order for us to move forward, sometimes decisions have to be made,” Blackburn said.

“I would like to see the commonwealth of Kentucky spend its millions on something that is needed, not something that will destroy the fabric and the historic integrity of downtown Pikeville,” Webster said.

“Well-spent to serve us, to make sure we have in institution that will be here for years,” Blackburn said.

Webster prefers to keep the old courthouse, but officials say the new one will come no matter what.

County officials say the location chosen is the best place for the new judicial center because it is near parking and it is the most cost-effective location.