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County architects advise multi-year restoration plan for historic courthouse; masonry work could cost $600,000—$800,000
Summary
An architect's inspection identified deteriorated stonework and mortar and recommended repointing and selective stone replacement; county staff discussed phasing, potential grants, HVAC options and an RFP for architectural services.
An architectural consultant told Steele County commissioners on Feb. 4 that the county's historic courthouse needs major exterior masonry restoration and related work and recommended a phased, multi-year approach to repairs and grant seeking.
The consultant reported the building's brick is generally in fair condition but the stone cladding and mortar joints are deteriorated in places, particularly at cornices and parapets where freeze-thaw cycles have caused face deterioration. The consultant recommended full repointing and selective replacement of deteriorated stone pieces. Preliminary cost estimates for masonry restoration were $600,000 to $800,000; the consultant provided breakdowns in the meeting and suggested those figures could be refined prior to bidding.
Staff also discussed window caulking that likely contains asbestos and should be tested and removed as part of the exterior restoration. The consultant recommended bundling window caulking work with masonry restoration if possible to avoid duplicate scaffolding costs; separating an accessibility ramp project could enable use of certain CDBG grant funds that require Davis-Bacon wage reporting.
The county discussed HVAC options and a need to evaluate modern split systems and refrigerants that may be restricted under newer code guidance. Commissioners directed staff to obtain a separate HVAC engineering letter that outlines cooling options and costs; the consultant said she would work with a mechanical engineer and present HVAC recommendations at the next meeting.
Commissioners discussed procuring an architectural firm through a request-for-proposals process for design and project administration. The consultant estimated architect fees could be in the neighborhood of $100,000 or more for a project of this size and advised that restoration contractors are often booked well in advance, so any spring bidding could push construction to the next season.
Ending: County staff and consultants recommended phasing the work, beginning with the most water-vulnerable stone cornices and parapet areas, pursuing grants for preservation and accessibility, and returning with HVAC cost options and an RFP plan for architectural services.
