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Supervisors discuss 'bare‑bones' courthouse plan: rehab existing elevator or build new shaft
Summary
The board received alternatives for courthouse renovation focused on whether to rehabilitate the existing elevator shaft or install a new shaft; the elevator decision will shape garage, air‑handler placement and possible repurposing of space for elections/storage. Staff expect a technical evaluation from a contractor next week.
Supervisors spent a portion of the meeting refining the scope of a courthouse addition and renovation project, focusing on lower‑cost alternatives intended to limit scope to critical needs.
The central question is whether the existing elevator shaft can be rehabilitated and retain its current location or whether a new exterior shaft must be built. Board members said that choice will materially affect costs and the viability of additional garage space and programmatic uses for reclaimed areas in and around the courthouse.
Staff said Schumacher (elevator contractor) will meet with local project leads to assess whether the shaft can be reused; that assessment is expected to yield a clearer cost estimate next week. Supervisors discussed siting a standalone garage near the law center parking lot with an air handler placed on the roof to maintain security and preserve footprint; they also raised ideas for repurposing the existing garage for election storage and creating meeting room or IT office space depending on decisions about elevator location and future expansion.
One supervisor urged a conservative "bare‑bones" approach (elevator and essential garage only) until the shaft assessment and cost figures are available. Staff will return with the contractor's findings and a recommended budget range.
