Front of Courthouse Front of Sheriff’s Office
Front of Hunter House Front of St Margaret’s Building
The Jefferson County courthouse was built in 1806 and was rebuilt in the 1870’s after it was damaged in the Civil War. It is on the national historic register and is approximately 12,000 square feet. The exterior of the building is brick, which is in good condition. We recommend scraping and painting trim as necessary. Some steps have cracks and missing mortar, at which we recommend repairing the steps.
The windows are in good condition. Most of the doors are in good condition, but some of them have some rot at the bottom and leak. We recommend replacing the damaged and leaking doors with historic profile solid wood doors.
This building had a sprinkler system and emergency lighting installed in the late 1980’s. There is a fire alarm system, but it is inadequate. We recommend upgrading the lighting in the hallways and stairwells, and installing exit signs, a new fire alarm system heat and smoke detectors, horns and strobe lights, and panic hardware on the exit doors.
To bring this building up to ADA compatibility requirements, we recommend upgrading the restrooms to be ADA compliant, and installing proper signage at accessible parking spaces and upgrade painting on curb, and automatic door openers on accessible doors.
To improve security with this building, we recommend equipping the building with, an X-ray machine, metal Detector, alarmed exit doors at non-public entrances, card access system for employees, a closed circuit television system, a security panel, and a security system with glass breakage alarms. In addition, there should be ballistic materials on the courtroom bench, and clerk’s desk. Duress alarms should be installed for all necessary locations including the bench, judge’s chambers, secretary’s desk, clerk’s desk, receptionist’s desk, etc.
There is an asbestos concern throughout the building. There are 9x9 tiles which appear to be asbestos and are wearing away. We recommend having an asbestos abatement performed.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office building houses the parks and recreation department, the probation department and the sheriff’s office. It is in excellent condition. To bring this building up to ADA compatibility requirements, we recommend installing an inside rail on the ramp, and upgrading the restrooms. To improve security install a security system, security cameras, and there should be a way to limit access through the building.
The Hunter House is in great condition. We recommend installing a security camera to improve security. We also recommend installing a central air conditioning system to eliminate the room air conditioners which are inefficient, noisy and unsightly.
The St Margaret’s building was built in 1909 and it is in excellent condition. To improve security to this building, we recommend providing limited access to the building by equipping the facility with an X-ray machine, a metal detector, card access system for employees, alarmed exit doors and security cameras. Install ballistic materials on benches and clerk’s desk and duress alarms as needed.
The Assessor’s building is in good condition. The windows are in good condition, but the doors are leaking. We recommend replacing the damaged wood doors with historically correct solid wood doors. The fire alarm system in this building is not adequate. Install a new fire alarm system and panic hardware on the exit doors. To improve security to this building, install a security system and security cameras that should be connected to the courthouse security panel. To bring this building up to ADA compatibility requirements, upgrading the accessible restroom. Replace the oil-fired boiler with a more economical unit.
The Commissioner’s building is in good condition. To bring this building up to ADA compatibility requirements, we recommend installing lever handles on all doors, revising the current ramps to be ADA compliant, and upgrading the restrooms. To improve security to this building, install duress alarms as necessary, a security system with window breakage alarms, and security cameras connected to the courthouse system.
All the buildings are over crowed with people and /or storage of files. A 2001 space needs study indicated there is a need for an additional 78,555 square feet we recommend demolishing the existing Jail and build a new judicial complex (P27, P28).
Total cost of this project: $15,191,670.