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Component |
Current Status |
Recommendations |
Cost |
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General Exterior |
The exterior appears to be in good shape. An applied “brick” stamping exterior with Styrofoam underneath was added in 1987 (P119). It looks like former windows have been covered with the “brick” (P108). The main building presently in use was constructed in 1856 (P115). The building contains a basement level, 3 floors and an attic area. The square footage of the courthouse is approximately 24,000. The county has a proposal to build a new annex/judicial building to house new courtrooms for the proposed growth in the county. Other buildings of concern are all located on the same block (West King Street) with the exception of the Law Master located at 105 S. Spring Street. |
It is unfortunate that such a beautiful building was not restored properly by re-pointing the brick and restoring the stonework. |
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Exterior Walls |
Exterior walls seemed to be in good shape (as far as could be determined with the “brick” stamping on the outside). Some of the “stamped brick” has either fallen off or washed off the top of the building. Some water damage, (P103), and corrosion, (P102), are noticeable at the rear of the building and alleyway, (P105), mostly due to window AC units, (P101), and rusting metal dripping onto the “brick”. Some cracking was noticed here at the base of the “brick” work (foundation meeting sidewalk), (P95). The foundation type seemed to be that of stone, (P104) now coated with a gray coating\paint that is peeling. |
We recommend that the brick be exposed and restored. Remove the paint on the stonework. Clean rust stains. |
$250,000 |
|
Roof |
The roof consists of a built up roof at a gradual slope in some areas. Some ponding and cracking were noticed, (P054). Lightning rods were present, (P049), along with a pigeon problem (lots of pigeon dung on roof and in dome, (P047). The dome portion, (P053) (roof access) has water leakage problems (water in the courtroom). In addition, a 1 1\2 inch drain on the roof above the law library leaks\backs up\floods causing damage below. The roof also has built in gutters, (P55). |
Replace the existing low slope roof and flashing. (Use a white membrane, the pigeons do not like it.) Restore and repair the dome. A maintenance representative noted that attempts have been made to combat the pigeon problem. Audio frequency control worked for a while, but the pigeons became accustomed to the sound and returned. Now cages are being placed and gathered daily. Leaking in the dome portion has being addressed, but new leaks continue to occur. |
$15,000 $30,000 |
Structure
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No structural problems could be noticed at the time of visit to the main courthouse. |
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Windows and Doors |
Window and door types are shown here: front, (P94), close-up condition, (P96), close-up condition II, (P97), side various windows, (P119), AC window, (P90). Windows look original, single pane wood with paint. Main doors, (P114), Side ADA doors, (P86). Front doors are wooden and are in good shape, ADA accessible entrance consists of a metal automatic door with button. |
Replace the windows with historic sashes. |
$80,000 |
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Fire Safety |
The main courthouse has a mixture of fire safety issues. In the older part of the building, there are no illuminated exit signs, (P58), only signs attached above doorways establishing an exit path, no sprinkler system. Only pull alarms, horns and extinguishers are present. All stairways, (P77), and hallways, (P79), were clear but had older equipment. The newer portion of the courthouse elevator renovation ADA, (P74) contains up to date fire, and ADA, (P73). A pull alarm, (P60), common throughout the old portion of the main building. Extinguishers, (P68), are stationed throughout the building on all floors. Fire System photos (old Red Miniscan 4824 for old portion of building) (new Grey EST-2 for new portion of bldg, (P006). Courtroom had plenty of well-marked exits. Exit-main, (P40), Exit 2. The building has been written up for fire code violations. |
The fire safety system needs updated in general. The following recommendations are made to improve the system: Install 14 new Exit signs. Install a complete sprinkler system. Install 10 new emergency lights. The fire marshal shall approve any renovation plan. |
$6,400 $80,000 $6,800 |
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ADA |
ADA throughout the entire main courthouse appeared excellent. The entrance ramp, (P85), was compliant, along with the restroom, (P69). ADA access was well marked, (P91), with signage, (P73). Parking was ample around all the buildings, but no specific ADA space could be located within a reasonable vicinity of the main courthouse or ADA entrance of the main courthouse. |
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Security |
The security for Berkeley County is excellent. Deputies, (P67), were stationed at every main entrance to every building in use. Only one entrance\exit is publicly accessible during normal conditions in all buildings. All entering the buildings pass through a metal detector or X-ray system, sign in\sign out, and are asked a few questions. Packages and cases have contents checked for certain items by security personnel on duty. The inspector on this project was required to wear a lanyard with visitor’s pass, and visible nametag during the visit. Panic buttons (courtroom) were being worked on at time of visit. Kevlar present at Judges bench. Deputies say an overall security system is activated after hours. The circuit court and jail cell for pre-trial holding have closed circuit T.V. and hand held metal detectors are used at the courtroom entrance, when needed. |
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Electrical |
The basement contained the main 800 amp disconnect, and a 3 phase panel for the elevator/renovation portion. All new electrical panels were recently installed throughout the building (a year was not given). |
The electrical panels are all new, but the actual wiring throughout the building needs to be removed and re-wired very soon. |
$72,000 |
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Mechanical |
Rooms throughout the building have electric baseboard and wall mount heaters, and also window insert AC. Fiduciary and Commissioner offices on 1st floor have HVAC (1-1\2 ton units), others have window AC. The courtroom itself has a 4-ton HVAC system that is producing moisture and mold problems and ceiling leaks. Access could not be granted to many of the HVAC systems, especially the courtroom due to a trial. The elevator system is hydraulic, with an electrical control panel, and electrical disconnect panel. The elevator components are new with the courthouse renovation. |
Install new HVAC system, including ductwork. |
$480,000 |
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Work Safety |
Issues related to excessive moisture were found: 3rd floor stairwell ceiling damage. Moisture/water/mold problems in courtroom (possibly box in a box setup with courtroom HVAC and outer courthouse atmosphere). |
Replace the ceiling in the stairwell with a new plaster ceiling and the water damaged ceiling tiles in the courtroom with new tiles after the new HVAC system has been installed and after the roof, repairs have been made. |
$2,500 |
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Space requirements |
Space seemed to be a challenge with the main building. Documents were filling up rooms and workers were cramped while preparing for elections (setup of ballot stations, etc). |
It is recommended that a new 40,000 square foot annex be built for office and storage space to alleviate the congested work areas in many of the buildings. Because of the rapid growth, the county is planning a $14,000,000 expansion over the next 20 years with the initial phase being a $10,000,000 judicial center. |
$5,800,000 |
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Sub Total |
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$6,822,700 |
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Soft Costs |
Professional fees, permits, surveys, and studies |
20% of total |
$1,364,540 |
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Total Cost |
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$8,187,240 |