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County architect lays out plan to restore courthouse exterior; preliminary cost estimated at about $5.8 million
Summary
Studio Southwest presented exterior renovation plans for the historic Eddy County courthouse, including removal of failing stucco, selective brick exposure, window and woodwork restoration, and an initial schematic cost estimate of about $5.8 million; work aims to retain historic character while improving durability
Studio Southwest Architects presented the commission with schematic- and early design-development plans to renovate the exterior of the Eddy County courthouse, identifying deteriorated stucco, failing wood trim, cracked sills and parapet problems, and proposing repairs that retain historic character while improving long-term durability.
Architect Theodore “Theo” Idaki (credited in the transcript as Theodore Idaki, who said he goes by Theo) described the building as a multi-part structure with elements dating to the 1890s and later additions; he said the courthouse has varying construction types underneath the 1930s-era stucco, including brick and a hollow clay tile known as “pentile.” He told the commission the project team uncovered historic masonry where stucco was removed and is proposing a repair strategy that retains and highlights some exposed brick and replaces or restores deteriorated wood elements such as ornamental lintels and the portal woodwork around entryways.
Theodore Idaki described the project scope as exterior renovations to windows, doors and walls intended to increase performance and reduce maintenance. He said the building consists of multiple window types—about 32 different window conditions and roughly 171 total windows mentioned in the presentation—and showed options for replacing glazing and improving insulated performance while preserving visual character of architectural features like the cattle-brand entrance woodwork.
Idaki said the county’s schematic-design estimate put exterior renovation costs at about $5.8 million. He cautioned the number will be refined in design development and construction documents; the team is proceeding with exploratory work to understand historic materials and condition so restoration and replacement can be specified accurately. The architects noted construction documents were expected to be complete around July in the project timeline presented at the meeting.
Commissioners asked about retaining distinctive woodwork at the southwest door and other character elements; Idaki confirmed those features are intended to be preserved, rehabilitated and reinstalled where possible.
No formal vote was required; commissioners received the update and the architects said they will refine cost and construction documents through the design-development phase.
