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Commissioners flag seismic upgrades and phased rehab for historic Morrow County courthouse
Summary
County staff presented preliminary engineering and cost estimates for a full rehabilitation of the historic courthouse — roughly $15.5 million total — and commissioners prioritized seismic retrofit work as the first phase to minimize later collateral damage and costs.
County staff and the CIP advisory committee set the historic courthouse among the county's highest long‑term priorities, citing building condition, ADA deficiencies and seismic vulnerability. The committee summarized prior consulting work (a DLR group report) and presented preliminary estimates: approximately $1,000,000 for exterior renovations, about $5,500,000 for seismic upgrades, and up to $9,000,000 for interior renovations, producing a combined rough total near $15,500,000 for a full rehabilitation.
The presenter said seismic retrofit work should precede interior renovations to avoid repeated construction and higher costs. "You don't want to do the interior before the seismic," a commissioner said, arguing a phased approach would reduce later collateral damage and overall expenses. Staff noted the courthouse is listed on the National Register, which creates grant opportunities but may include requirements that affect project scope.
Commissioners discussed phasing—beginning a seismic study in 2027 with potential work during fiscal years 2028–29—and identified historic preservation grants and philanthropic options to offset costs. The committee recommended pushing seismic retrofits onto the five‑year consideration list as a 'yes' priority while placing other courthouse elements on an extended schedule pending funding.
