Executive Summary
Jackson County
The Jackson County courthouse was built in 1923 and an addition was added in 1963. The building has two stories and a basement, and is approximately 33,608 square feet. The building has stone walls on a stone foundation. Since there is some evidence of damage to the stone work, we recommend patching and repairing the exterior walls.
The original building has a slate roof which is in poor condition. We recommend removing the roof, repairing the underlying structure as needed, and the having the slate cleaned of moss and mold and returned. The addition has a flat roof which is in good condition.
The windows in the original building were replaced in 1961 and are in poor condition. The windows in the addition were recently replaced and are in good condition. We recommend replacing the old windows with period-appropriate windows.
The building has two elevators, fire alarms and strobes on the first and second floors, and exit signs, some of which are not functioning. The building also has emergency lighting. We recommend installing a sprinkler system and repairing the defunct exit signs.
We recommend repairing the plaster cracks and water damage once the roof is replaced. The front steps and other entrances should be repaired to prevent further damage.
Security in the building is limited. There is a metal detector at the entrance to the courtroom. We recommend providing a secure access point to the building for visitor entry and upgrading security measures, which should include: X-ray machine; installation of duress alarms for judges and clerks; card access system; alarmed exit doors; additional security cameras; security system; and a security console.
The electrical system of the addition is adequate; however, the original building needs the system updated. The HVAC is in good condition, but we recommend installing a new boiler for half of the building and installing a new AC unit for half of the building to eliminate windows units.
To meet ADA requirements, we recommend that a lift be installed to the old courthouse to eliminate the need for the chair lifts currently in use. A lift should be installed to the witness stand and judge’s bench. The restrooms of the original courthouse should be upgraded to meet ADA compatibility requirements and lever handles should be installed throughout the building.
The courtroom has some 9x9 tiles, which may indicate asbestos. We recommend completing an asbestos study for the building.
There is a current plan to renovate the courthouse and jail. We recommend that a 10,000 square feet courthouse annex be built to meet space and storage requirements.
Total cost: $3,492,600.