Webster
The original construction of the courthouse was done in the 1890’s. Additions were added in the early 1900’s. The building is on the historic register. It is approximately 8,800SF. Extensive renovations are planned and underway; for example, the old jail, located on the third floor of the building, was deconstructed and construction is underway to turn that area into a new courtroom. A new electrical system, partially finished throughout the entire building, is being installed and new elevator, which will be complete by the end of October. The commission also stated that it had plans to level the first floor and take out superfluous one and two step stairs scattered around the ground floor. The commission promised to mail architect plans and blueprints as soon as possible. This renovations are started and stopped as the monies for their construction surfaces and is consumed. The commission stated that finding funding to continue their projects was of major importance.
The building was sandblasted around three years ago. The building has little evidence of settlement problems. The entry steps are cracked and in need of repair. The roof was replaced in 1993 and is in good condition.
Windows are varied and include wooden, aluminum, and steel frames. Some of the wooden framed windows are rotten. The wooden and steel framed windows are single pane, while the aluminum windows are double-paned. We recommend replacing the windows with historic replicas.
The fire alarm system is slowly being upgraded as the new electrical system goes in, so some alarms do have strobes, but not all. Plans include all alarms eventually being replaced. We recommend installing a fire rated wall and fire rated doors at the landing on the second, third floor and the basement.
To meet
The sidewalks and stairs surrounding the building do show evidence of water damage as they are busted and cracked. The retaining wall at the edge of the parking lot shows signs of efflorescence and water damage. We recommend repairing this damage.
To improve security at the courthouse, we recommend that this facility should have an entry-level screening using the existing walk-through metal detector and an x-ray machine, all perimeter doors not being used for entry-level screening should be used for emergency exits only - these doors should also be secured by installing an audible alarm, magnetic contacts, and a crash bar, and all light switches should be replaced with key-controlled switches, and breaker boxes should be locked.
We recommend a centralized HVAC system be installed to eliminate the need for expensive coal and the demand on the electrical system as well as for air-conditioning the entire building.
To meet storage requirements, we recommend that a 5,000 square foot facility be added for records storage.
Total estimated cost: $741,600.