Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Downtown Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission discusses county purchase of downtown buildings and possible future of courthouse
Summary
Commissioners discussed reports that the county is purchasing two downtown buildings and may vacate offices, and they noted local preservation groups and the museum have shown interest in the county courthouse; no formal plan was presented and the commission has no decision authority.
Members of the commission raised concerns about reports that the county commission is buying two downtown buildings and may relocate county offices, possibly leaving the county courthouse—identified in discussion as a National Historic Landmark—available for other uses.
The Chair said preservationists and city and county stakeholders are discussing potential next steps and that the museum has expressed interest in moving into the courthouse if it becomes available. "I just wanted you guys to know that that's going on because it's in our overlay," the Chair said, noting the commission has no authority to decide county property transfers.
Commissioners and attendees emphasized the courthouse’s historic importance and the need to coordinate grants and proposals if a sale or transfer is pursued, but they agreed there were no concrete plans yet and any transfer would require negotiation among county, state preservation officials and potential partners. The conversation was informational; no directive or formal action was taken by the commission.
