Commissioners authorize order to pursue restoration of Anderson County courthouse stained-glass dome

A majority of the Anderson County Commissioners’ Court voted to adopt an order that clears the way for a contract to repair and restore the stained-glass dome in the historic Anderson County Courthouse. Judge McKinney told the court the action (taken under a discretionary procurement exemption in the Local Government Code) will allow staff to solicit a negotiated contract and return to the court for final approval.

The vote followed a detailed on-site assessment and presentation by DRG Architects and Emmanuel Stained Glass Studios. Dennis Harmon, owner of Emmanuel Stained Glass Studios, described the dome as roughly a century old and “put together with 100 year old lead,” saying he found broken pieces, cracked panels and significant sagging that required removal and studio restoration. Harmon outlined a process that would lift each curved panel, crate and ship them to his Nashville studio for disassembly, conservation and re-leading, then return and reinstall the panels on a rebuilt curved form.

The court’s action authorized staff to use the discretionary exemption in the Texas Local Government Code so the county can proceed with a negotiated contract rather than a formal public-bid process in this instance. Judge McKinney explained that the exemption is justified by unforeseen damage and potential public-safety risk if pieces fall. Commissioner Hill moved the order; Commissioner Chaffin seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Court members also authorized DRG Architects, working with Emmanuel Stained Glass Studios, to draft a full contract and a detailed scope of work for review at a future meeting. The presenters warned the work will be labor-intensive and time-consuming: removal, studio conservation and reinstallation will require scaffolding, crane operations and careful packaging, and could take several months. Harmon said his studio performs conservation using a high-antimony restoration lead and detailed documentation, and that the dome would be rebuilt to its original curve.

County staff told the court that the county had budgeted $1,000,000 in ARPA funds for courthouse work; roughly $181,664 remained in that allocation after recent roof repairs, and the court directed staff to return with cost estimates and a negotiated contract for formal approval.

Next steps: DRG and Emmanuel will prepare a draft contract and scope; staff will review proposed pricing and contingencies and return the contract to the court for approval at a future meeting.