Commission orders RFP to study options for aging 1889 courthouse

The commission directed staff to prepare and advertise a request for proposals (RFP) for architectural services to study options for the county’s deteriorating 1889 courthouse, following extended discussion of multiple cost estimates and public testimony.

Staff (John Rombo S9) summarized several previously considered options: short-term roof repairs estimated at $400,000–$500,000, partial remodels estimated in the $6.4M–$8.5M range, a full remodel including a long-life roof near $9.6M–$9.7M, and demolition with a façade or rebuild options stretching past $11M. Demolition alone had earlier demolition estimates between $225,000 and $350,000 depending on contractor quotes.

Commissioners and many residents debated tradeoffs: preservation proponents cited historical and sentimental value and suggested phased renovation and grant-seeking; others warned that remodeling often costs more than new construction and that preserving 70,000 square feet of usable space would require significant funding. ‘‘If you demolish that thing, you potentially are creating a pretty significant emotional event for the community,’’ one commissioner said; a citizen committee member urged the board to explore grants and community fundraising.

The board voted to issue an RFP for architectural services and agreed staff will prepare scope language and timelines. Staff said an RFP and competitive selection process would likely take longer than the 15-day timeline some commissioners proposed; staff estimated two months to develop the RFP and recommended competitive bids for analysis.

Why it matters: the old courthouse is a large physical and symbolic asset whose fate involves significant capital budgets, potential community opposition to demolition, and long-term space planning for county operations.