Thursday, October 1, 2026
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CHERRYVILLE, N.C. (WNN) — The City of Cherryville purchased its future police headquarters and began substantial renovation work before architectural and engineering plans for the entire project were completed and before Gaston County Inspections had permits on record for the work.
Police Chief Brandon Hunsucker now estimates the renovation of the building at 120 South Mountain Street is approximately 50 to 55 percent complete. However, the future use of the second floor remains under architectural review, accessibility questions have not been fully resolved, and the final cost of completing the project is still unknown.
Brian Dalton speaking at the February 2026 Work Session - Cherryville, NC - February 24th, 2026
Mason Beam (WNN)
The City closed on the building on March 11, 2026, for approximately $1.125 million. During a February 24, 2026, City Council work session, council members were told that funding would come from the City’s General Fund and Electric Fund. Approximately $200,000 was discussed for renovations, bringing the estimated total investment to about $1.3 million.
Records provided to Wise News Network do not include a pre-purchase architectural assessment, an engineering study, completed construction drawings, or an accessibility analysis that establishes the full cost of converting the building into a police headquarters.
Without completed architectural and engineered drawings, the City cannot yet determine the full scope of the work, what additional code or accessibility improvements may be required, or whether the original renovation estimate will be sufficient.
In response to WNN, City Manager Brian Dalton and Hunsucker said the project has been needed for years and is expected to serve the Police Department and community for decades.
“I want to begin by emphasizing that this project has been needed by the Police Department for many years and will serve the department and the citizens of Cherryville for decades to come,” Hunsucker said. “It is a project I strongly support and have advocated for since becoming Chief of Police in January 2023.”
According to Hunsucker, city officials evaluated multiple properties before selecting the South Mountain Street building because of its proximity to downtown and City Hall.
The current ground floor plan of the future Cherryville Police Department
Hunsucker said the project officially began when the City closed on the property on March 11, 2026. Work performed or planned includes:
Hunsucker said work resumed June 17 following a two- to three-week delay. He acknowledged that the project is behind his original schedule and said his initial goal of completing the building by mid-July may no longer be achievable.
He said the City must first meet with an architect to address outstanding issues that could affect both the construction schedule and final cost.
Future Cherryville Police Department building being worked on by Carolina Builders - 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC - June 18th, 2026
Mason Beam (WNN)
WNN contacted Gaston County Inspections after substantial renovation work had already begun. At that time, County Inspections had no permits on record for the project, which had already been brought to their attention.
The City later provided an electrical permit that was applied for and issued on June 16, 2026. The commercial electrical permit lists a project valuation of $21,000 and describes the work as an “electrical permit request for 10 outlet/lighting locations.”
The electrical permit was issued approximately three months after the City closed on the property and after interior renovation work had begun.
By the time Hunsucker reported that the overall project was approximately 50 to 55 percent complete, the electrical permit was the only permit record provided to WNN.
WNN has not been provided with records showing that building, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, or other permits have been issued for the renovation.
The sequence raises questions about why construction began before the City obtained a complete determination of the permits, plans, and inspections required for the project.
The proposed upstairs floor plan at the future Cherryville Police Department
Questions have focused on the second floor, where the Police Department originally planned to create a training room.
Dalton said the City has now decided not to proceed with the training room until the architectural drawings are completed.
“We have decided not to do the training room at this time,” Dalton stated. “We are simply leaving this as storage at this point until the architect can get the drawings.”
Dalton said the upstairs area is expected to be used for evidence storage and stated that an evidence room does not require an elevator.
Hunsucker said the purpose of the upcoming architectural meeting is to determine the future use and design of the second floor, including the proposed training room.
Whether an elevator or other accessibility modifications will be required may depend on the final use of the second floor, applicable building and accessibility codes, and the conclusions reached by the architect and County inspectors.
Because those questions remain unresolved after the building was purchased and after renovation work reached approximately the halfway point, the records raise questions about whether a complete architectural, engineering, and accessibility review was performed before the City committed public funds to the property.
Officials originally discussed approximately $200,000 in renovation expenses. However, the City has not yet completed the architectural and engineering plans that show the full cost of finishing the building.
Hunsucker said the City is still awaiting quotes for locksmith services and parking-lot sealcoating. The City also does not know what additional work or expenses may result from the architect’s review of the second floor.
Chief Hunsucker speaking on the potential new police department location - Cherryville, NC Work Session - February 24th, 2026
Mason Beam (WNN)
The cost of any accessibility improvements, additional permits, design services, or changes required following inspections has not been established.
Hunsucker said questions involving funding sources, budget allocations, and approved expenditures should be directed to Dalton.
WNN has requested records identifying the specific funding sources, budget amendments, project accounts, and expenditures associated with the purchase and renovation. As of publication, records showing precisely how the renovation expenses are being funded and accounted for had not been provided.
Hunsucker said employees from several City departments have performed work at the property to reduce contractor expenses.
Police Department personnel, the Cherryville Fire Department, the Public Works Department, and the Electric Department assisted with landscaping, installation of the flagpole, painting of light poles, and other exterior improvements.
Hunsucker also said he and members of his command staff installed internet and HDMI cabling throughout the building for computer and camera systems.
“This work was performed to avoid additional contractor expenses and resulted in substantial cost savings to the city,” Hunsucker said.
He said the exact amount saved could not be determined because the services were never formally quoted.
City officials maintain that three bids were obtained for the overall renovation project.
“I believe Chief Hunsucker sent you three bids for the project,” Dalton stated.
Records reviewed by WNN appear to include three overall pricing proposals associated with the renovation. However, the documents do not appear to contain three quotes for every separately priced trade, purchase, or project component.
For example, the generator records appear to contain two quotes, the flooring records contain one proposal, and the evidence-locker records appear to contain two pricing proposals.
The City’s purchasing policy generally requires three bids or documented attempts to obtain three bids for construction, repairs, and purchases within applicable cost ranges.
Future Cherryville Police Department Building - 120 S Mountain St, Cherryville, NC - June 18th, 2026
Mason Beam (WNN)
Several questions, therefore, remain unresolved: whether adequate architectural, engineering, and accessibility due diligence occurred before the property was purchased; why renovation work began before permits were on record; what additional improvements will be required; how the work is being funded; and whether the original $200,000 renovation estimate will be sufficient once the design and code reviews are completed.
WNN will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
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