Executive Summary

Summers County Summary

Summers County Courthouse

Memorial Building

The Summers County Courthouse was built in 1876 and is on the historic register. The building is two stories with a basement. The building is approximately 15,360 square feet. The building is brick on a stone foundation. There is no evidence of settlement. The bricks have been painted over at some time and the paint is peeling off in some places. There are also some bricks missing. The building will need repainted soon. Estimated cost: $12,000.

The roof of the courthouse was replaced in 2001 and is in good shape. The windows are single paned, but storm windows are installed for the wintertime. The windows need to be recaulked and cleaned as necessary of rust.

The courthouse does contain smoke detectors and a fire alarm system; however, the annunciator panel is broken. The exit stairs are not enclosed by fire rated material. We recommend fixing the annunciator panel, installing a sprinkler system, installing strobe lights on the fire alarms, and installing fire rated doors at the top of the central and annex stairwells.

There is no alarm system in the building or closed circuit camera system. We recommend installing a security system for the building with: security system, alarmed exit doors, duress alarms, metal detector and x-ray machine for public entry, closed circuit TV, security console, and ballistic material for judges’ bench.

The electrical system for the courthouse is adequate. The building has a split HVAC system that is functioning properly. We recommend installing an air conditioning system in the annex to eliminate the window air conditioners and improve efficiency.

To address ADA compatibility requirements, we recommend that an elevator be installed and the second floor be modified to allow access to the courtroom and the annex. A lift for the jury box should be installed. The parking spot should be resized and outfitted with the proper signage and markings. Proper ADA signage should be installed throughout the building, and doors should be fitted with lever handles.

To address the issue of space, the old bank building was purchased and plans are being made to renovate that space for offices and storage.

The Memorial Building was built in the 1930s and is structurally in good condition. The building does need the parapet repaired, the brick needs repointed, and the exterior needs cleaned. The roof needs replaced due to some leakage problems. Exit signs and a sprinkler system should be installed throughout the building.

The Memorial Building’s wiring system is old and should be rewired and updated. The buildings HVAC system is fairly new and is in good condition. To address accessibility issues, we recommend installing a lift and access at the front of the building for accessibility to the basement and first floor.

The need for additional space in the memorial building will be satisfied by the bank renovations as mentioned above. Total estimated cost for both buildings is $1,389,828.

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