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Architects present phased plan to make Walla Walla County Courthouse accessible, add courtroom; old jail faces costly choices
Summary
Meyer Architecture presented options for a multi-phase courthouse renovation to fix ADA and egress issues, build an elevator/stair tower and add a holding courtroom; stabilizing and renovating the adjacent old jail could cost $3—$5 million depending on scope.
County commissioners heard a workshop from Meyer Architecture and Engineering on a concept plan to address accessibility, safety and functionality at the Walla Walla County Courthouse and options for the neighboring old jail.
Rob Grandstaff introduced Thomas Gassner, who outlined a three-part priority: provide vertical access (a compliant fire stair), construct a modern elevator tower and install ADA-compliant restrooms. "It's really about making public buildings available to people of all abilities," Gassner said, describing interior level changes in courtrooms and the need for accessible egress.
Gassner recommended phasing the work. Phase 1 would construct an elevator/stair tower and accessible restrooms so that interior levels could be flattened and a holding courtroom created (a temporary courtroom to maintain operations while other courtrooms are renovated). Rough-order costs for the elevator tower were estimated at about $1.5 million and the holding courtroom at roughly $800,000; full multi-floor renovation including structural stabilization and utilities could push total costs into the $4—$5 million range.
On the old jail, the architects presented three basic choices: do nothing (leading to eventual collapse), demolish the structure, or stabilize and renovate. Gassner said structural engineers (KPFF) had found mortar and foundation settling issues that will require significant stabilization work. "To stabilize it, you're going to be looking at, I think, $1.5 million to $2 million just to get the building to where you can say, okay, now let's renovate it," he said.
Commissioners asked about phasing options, grant opportunities (historic-preservation grants already applied for), parking impacts, and the interaction of historic-registry listing with demolition options. Public Works and the county's preservation contacts will continue planning; commissioners asked the architects for further cost detail and grant strategy as a next step.
What happens next: The architects will refine cost estimates and grant-application plans. Commissioners signaled support for pursuing phased work that prioritizes accessibility and minimizing disruption to courthouse operations.
