Executive Summary
Front of Courthouse Front of Annex
The Ritchie County Courthouse was built in 1923 and is approximately 9,050 square feet. The building has two stories and a basement. It is not listed on the historic register.
The exterior walls are made of stone and are in good condition. The fascia and clock tower appear to need be repainted. The roof is a combination of metal shingled pitched roof, and a flat rooftop over the additions. The entire roof is coated in sprayed-on foam. There is evidence of ponding, mold, damaged areas, and discoloration. We recommend that the damaged sections of the roof be cleaned and repaired.
The windows are original to the building and they are in poor condition. We recommend that all of the windows be replaced with period appropriate aluminum clad wood windows.
To bring
the building up to
The courthouse does a have a fire system with smoke detectors and emergency lights. There needs to be heat detectors installed, a sprinkler system installed, and strobe lights put on all the alarms.
To improve the security in the building, we recommend that equipping the facility with an entry-level screening using a walk through metal detector and an X-ray machine. The metal detector from the courtroom can be used. An X-ray machine is needed. All other entry doors should be alarmed exit doors and use card access. There should be an installation of panic hardware to judges’ chambers, secretaries’ office, clerk’s office, magistrates’ offices, and others where necessary.
The building has numerous cracks throughout, along with water damage, and evidence of termites. We recommend that the cracks in the plaster be repaired, and the building should be treated for termites and repair the termite damage. We also recommend that the ceiling damage be repaired throughout the building and that an asbestos study be performed.
The electrical system in the building is old and some is rusty. We recommend that the wiring be replaced and new panels should be installed, for which the courthouse has obtained estimates. The lighting should also be upgraded with locked light switches in public areas.
The mechanical system in the building is good except the air conditioning system is inadequate. We recommend that a central air conditioning system be installed to increase efficiency, and improve comfort.
The annex building is a one-story building housing the sheriff’s office and old jail. There is an estimate to demolish the annex and build a new judicial annex to house the extension office, family law master and magistrate court.
Total cost for this project: $2,305,080.