Kanawha County Executive Summary

 

 

            The Kanawha County courthouse was built around 1786 with several additions.  The total square footage of the courthouse is approximately 340,300.  The courthouse consists of three floors with a basement and an attic.  The courthouse building appears to be in good condition.

 

            Cleaning the exterior walls is recommended, as needed.  The roof is in the process of being replaced.  The doors of the courthouse are aluminum and glass and are in good condition.  The building houses different types of windows.  The oldest are single paned with wooden frames.  These windows have peeling paint and missing caulk and it is recommended to replace the old windows that are original with historical replacement windows.

 

            The courthouse is mostly ADA compliant.  It is recommended to install a permanent wheelchair lift for the change in level within the courthouse.  Additional signage should be installed for handicap parking.

 

            The structure has some internal water damage.  After the roof is replaced and the water leaks repaired, these areas will need repaired.  The electrical system needs updated in the older parts of the building.  It is recommended to upgrade the HVAC system to provide better ventilation and more even heating and cooling in the building, as needed.

           

An extermination company should be hired to provide pest control for the entire building.  They should inspect the building and make recommendations for upgrades to eliminate the rodent problem.  This should include removing any food sources, moisture sources, and other pest attractors.  A mold toxicity study should be conducted to determine the type of mold and proper elimination method throughout the building.

 

            The county Annex was built in 1983.  It has seven floors and an attached parking garage.  The structure is in good condition inside and out.  The fire alarm requires updating by installing a new annunciator panel, strobe alarms throughout the building, and replacing the aged smoke detectors and adding heat detectors are recommended.

 

            The building is equipped with closed circuit TV, duress alarms, metal detector, x-ray machine, controlled access, alarmed doors, etc.  They do not have enough holding cells for all of their courtrooms.  Their security panel is outdated and should be replaced.

 

            Upgrading the accessible parking spots and renovating all of the restrooms to be completely ADA compliant are recommended.  Lever door hardware should be installed throughout the building.  At least one circuit courtroom room should have an accessible lift to the witness stand.

 

            To satisfy space requirements, 20,000 square feet of space for court functions should be added.  Providing the Annex with building renovations, including additional holding cells and moving the family court to a new building, is recommended..

 

            Efforts were made to visit the Sheriff’s Office, but Sheriff Tucker would not allow any inspection.

 

            The total cost of recommended renovations is approximately $14,468,040

 

 

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