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County consultant recommends phased masonry restoration for Steele County courthouse; cost estimated at $600k–$800k
Summary
A consultant told Steele County commissioners the courthouse exterior needs major masonry work — repointing and stone replacement — and estimated total costs between $600,000 and $800,000; commissioners directed staff to begin an architect RFP and consider phased work tied to grants.
A restoration consultant advised Steele County commissioners that the courthouse exterior requires substantial masonry work and recommended a phased approach to match available funding. The presenter said repointing and cleaning the brick and stone would cost roughly $300,000–$400,000 and that replacing deteriorated stone pieces could add another $300,000–$400,000, producing a combined estimate of about $600,000–$800,000.
Why it matters: The building is on the National Register and county staff and commissioners said they want to avoid piecemeal repairs that could allow further water intrusion. The presenter told the commission the worst damage is above the cornice and that stone cornices are allowing water penetration that accelerates mortar and stone deterioration.
Key details and council direction: The presenter recommended repointing the whole exterior, selective stone replacement, and bundling window caulking into the exterior restoration (the consultant estimated standalone caulking at about $40,000 but said it could be incidental when scaffolded for masonry work). He also advised testing caulking for asbestos before work begins and coordinating any HVAC changes so Davis‑Bacon or specialized grant rules do not duplicate paperwork. "So I'm basically recommending repointing the whole exterior of this building," the presenter said.
Commissioners discussed phasing (by side or by material) and agreed the county should solicit proposals for an architectural firm, form a committee to review proposals, and then bid the work. The county asked staff to develop an RFP for architectural services and to return with cost and phasing options tied to potential grant sources, including state historic preservation and CDBG accessibility grants.
Next steps: Staff will prepare an architectural request for proposals and bring a recommended procurement timeline back to the commission. The commission also asked staff to confirm grant deadlines and potential requirements so the project schedule can be aligned with funding opportunities.
