Will County reports progress on courthouse repairs, annex renovations and safety upgrades

Will County facilities staff reported progress on a range of capital projects during a committee meeting, including continued repairs to the old courthouse, upcoming contractor bids for the court annex, parking-lot resurfacing and upgrades to veteran and archives facilities.

The update, delivered by Mr. Fern, a facilities staff member, covered scaffolding removal and stone replacement at the old courthouse, completed and planned parking-lot work, roof and glass replacement at the Copperfield Building for the Veterans Assistance Commission, and life-safety improvements across county properties.

The courthouse work remains one of the meeting’s largest items. "Water infiltrated behind the stone, froze again," Mr. Fern said, describing the freeze-thaw process that he said pushed stone loose. He said crews are removing scaffolding as stones are cut and reinstalled; about 16 pieces of stone are expected to be rehung. He added that the underlying membrane has been resealed and taped to address the water barrier.

Mr. Fern said the county…