Roane County Executive Summary

Front of Courthouse Front of Annex

The Roane County courthouse was built in 1966 and the total square footage is 16,125. The general exterior of the building is in good condition, but the sidewalks leading up to the building are uneven and damaged. We recommend the sidewalks be replaced or repaired and the exterior stairs also be replaced or repaired and have proper handrails on exterior steps installed.

The windows are original and are in good condition, but we recommend installing bulletproof windows on second floor of courthouse. The doors are also in good condition, but we recommend installing lever handles onto all the doors.

The flat roof is 15 years old and there are major problems with it leaking because of bubbling. We recommend the roof be replaced.

The building does have fire alarms, exit lights, and battery operated emergency lights in some areas of the courthouse, but the building does lack having a sprinkler system and strobe lights. There are also penetrations through floor that are not fire resistant. We recommend installing a sprinkler system, additional emergency lights, a fire alarm system with proper strobes and horns. We also recommend sealing the unprotected cable penetrations in courthouse building.

This building has problems with minor interior cracking, therefore, a structural analysis of interior cracks in walls and floors should be performed. There is also water damage to the interior walls and ceiling of the building, thus need to be repaired. We also recommend having a complete asbestos study for building performed.

To improve security with this building, an X-ray machine, a security console, and surveillance cameras should be installed in the building. A 6-zone card access system, panic bars with alarms on exit doors and courtroom doors, blinds to replace curtains, and duress alarms below desks should also be installed.

The electrical system should be checked to ensure that all NEC codes are addressed throughout building. Additional electrical receptacles should be installed throughout office areas to eliminate the need for extension cords. The HVAC system is original to the building, therefore, it should be replaced with a cost efficient HVAC system.

To bring the building up to ADA compatibility requirements, we recommend installing a sidewalk curb ramp, renovating the current handicap parking space to make it code compliant, and installing proper signage for handicap parking space. Proper signage should be installed throughout the building and a witness stand/judges lift should be installed in the courtroom. The restrooms should be renovated on first and second floor to meet ADA codes.

The annex was constructed 1917 and is a 12,000 square feet building. It is in poor condition overall. We recommend demolishing and removing the existing annex building, and building a 30,000 square foot building. We also recommend that before the annex is demolished there be a complete asbestos study performed to ensure worker safety.

Total cost of this project: $5,910,240

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