Historic Supreme Court building doors face redesign controversy

November 22, 2024 | Columbia City, Richland County, South Carolina


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Historic Supreme Court building doors face redesign controversy
In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the ongoing renovations at a historic courthouse, particularly focusing on the replacement of its entry doors. The project, which previously included the installation of ballistic glass windows for the safety of justices, has now expanded to consider the replacement of three significant doors under the building's portico.

Project manager and architect Joe Guido presented the proposed designs for the new doors, which are intended to match the historic aesthetic of the building. However, concerns were raised regarding the omission of original sidelights in the new design, which are crucial for maintaining the architectural integrity of the entryway. The sidelights align with the transom and door muttons, creating a cohesive design that is essential to the building's historical character.

The meeting highlighted the importance of preserving the original design elements while accommodating modern safety requirements. The State Historic Preservation Office will also review the project to ensure compliance with preservation standards. A revised design option was introduced, which aims to retain the sidelights while incorporating structural modifications to support the ballistic glass.

Guido, along with representatives from the Supreme Court House, emphasized the collaborative efforts involved in the project and acknowledged the late development of the design changes presented to the commission. The discussions reflect a commitment to balancing historical preservation with contemporary safety needs in the renovation of this landmark building.

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