Courthouse Restoration Needs Your Input
Architects who are working toward restoring both Glasscock County courthouses want to get county residents involved in the process. Barbara Slover, an intern with the Wagner & Klein Group, told the commissioners’ court April 5 that her group needs photos and stories of the courthouses and any activities in or around them over the years. She said the two buildings are “historically significant,” but the Texas Historical Commission needs to know that county residents, past and present, are aware of the county’s history and want to preserve it before the commission will allocate restoration funding.
Slover asked that all involved “stir the pot,” by contacting people who have moved away as well as current residents to let them know what is going on with the restoration effort, and how they can help. [This means you!!]
A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2 at 7 p.m. in the courthouse for the purpose of getting input for the project. Everyone is urged to attend, and to bring any photos of the courthouses or other buildings on the property.
Stan Klein, a Wagner & Klein architect, was enthusiastic in describing what the group has found so far. He said the original pressed metal ceiling in the courtroom is still intact, only covered by acoustical tiles, and in the attic, there are new pieces of the original roofing material which were never used. He said the original roof may still be intact, except for decorative cresting which is visible in old photos, but no longer exists.
Klein said that historic buildings are useless unless they can serve contemporary needs. He said, for example, that it might be possible to restore the original courtroom ceiling and use light fixtures which look like the originals, but acoustics and the need for modern lighting levels must be addressed. He said those problems can be solved.
To enhance the chance for state restoration funding, Klein said future uses for the original courthouse (“old jail”) and other on-site buildings need to be found and suggestions are encouraged. He said the fact that the courthouse has a historic landmark designation is a plus in getting funding, and that having both an elevator and second floor air conditioning puts Glasscock County ahead of many courthouses in the state.
Klein stressed the need for long-range planning in the restoration project, since the work will have to be done incrementally.