Madison County board acknowledges conceptual plan for historic courthouse and approves reroof bid advertisement

The Madison County Board of Supervisors on June 2 acknowledged a conceptual plan to reuse the Old Madison County Courthouse as a multiuse cultural and small-conference venue and authorized advertisement for bids to reroof the building.

The board heard a presentation from members of the Madison County Historical Courthouse Committee and the plan's lead designer, who outlined a concept that would reuse the courthouse to tell the county's history while providing rentable seminar and conference space. "We decided to focus mainly on six areas: the arts, commerce, agriculture, education, community, and religion," architect and exhibit designer Bud Holloman told the board.

The committee described the concept as an economic-development tool that would include a short orientation theater, galleries and interactive kiosks along the ground-floor circulation, multiple breakout rooms, and a large assembly area in the former courtroom. Committee members said spaces would be available for school groups, visiting corporate delegations and small private events, and that the committee prioritized retaining historic materials where possible.

Joanne Gordon, a committee member, told supervisors the courthouse grounds are heavily used and that reusing the building for small meetings and exhibits would further increase public engagement. Ken Poole, formerly with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and Greg Higginbotham also spoke during the presentation about committee work and coordination with county staff.

Supervisor Lott moved to formally acknowledge the conceptual plan; Supervisor Banks seconded the motion. The board voted by voice and acknowledged the plan, and the board president asked that the conceptual plans be added to the meeting minutes for review.

Separately under new business, the board approved a request to advertise for construction bids to reroof the historic courthouse. County staff said the estimated cost is $890,537.87 and that, if bidding and scheduling proceed as expected, work could start in late July with completion targeted in January 2026. A motion to authorize advertising for bids was made and seconded and carried on a voice vote.

The county said the reroof work is in the approved budget and that more detailed scheduling and contract documents will follow the procurement process. Committee members emphasized the broader restoration and program plan will require subsequent project phases and further board approvals for construction of interior exhibits and systems upgrades.

The board did not set construction contract awards at the June 2 meeting; staff will return with bid results and recommended contract actions when procurement and review are complete.