Architects report structural, roofing and moisture issues at county courthouse; court approves further investigation

Preservation architects told the court their condition assessment of the historic county courthouse identified several structural and building-envelope deficiencies that need design and repair work. "We did find, that there are some structural, deficiencies," the project manager said, citing a cracked basement column, exterior brick cracking, window problems causing moisture infiltration, and flat roof issues around the tower that will likely require replacement or significant repair.

The architect team said they had engaged a cost estimator and that an initial estimate was “around 4,200,000,” which the firm said would be refined during schematic and design phases. Commissioners discussed prioritizing exterior and structural repairs before interior work to address moisture sources. The court voted to proceed with additional investigation and the design phase to prepare construction documents and to refine cost estimates.

Separately, the court discussed (but did not approve) a proposal to authorize the firm to proceed with construction drawings for restoration with a not-to-exceed figure of $480,000; when the judge called for a second on the motion, the item did not receive a second and did not proceed to a vote. Court members emphasized careful contractor prequalification and mock-ups during construction administration to guard against poor workmanship and subpar materials identified in the assessment.