BEDFORD – The Lawrence County Commissioners approved a $100,000 contract with Architectural Services to design improvements to the courthouse interior, the courtroom, and the clerk’s office and the recommendation to restore the decorative mural and interior upgrades to the Courthouse Annex.
The improvements and restoration will be paid for with American Rescue Plan funds. The county received $8,812,591 in ARP funds.
Attorney David Smith looked over the contract and approved it for the commissioners to sign.
“This is important work,” added Smith. “The archway outside of Circuit Court is crumbling and falling away. It is not only a safety concern but a historical one. We need to have the work done before it deteriorates beyond repair.”
The goal is to restore and preserve the history of the mural and the archway which were both damaged by water.
Michael Conly, President and owner of Architura Corporation presented the contract to the commissioners.
The courthouse was erected in 1930 and is a Neoclassical-style limestone structure designed by Walter Scholer at a cost of $390,000. The courthouse incorporated the north wall of the 1872 courthouse at the request of local stoneworkers.
The scope of the work includes:
- Meeting with Judge Nathan Nikirk and Clerk Amy Voohies regarding courthouse interior improvement and with B. Scott Wedgewood regarding the Courthouse Plaza Annex. Work includes repairs and painting floors, walls, and parts of the ceiling that were water-damaged.
- Gather and photograph existing plan documents.
- Field measure what is needed to confirm drawing accuracy.
- Help locate a Conservation Artist to work with the county to restore the Mural at the courtroom entrance.
- Conduct interviews as approved by the commissioners to gather more information from stakeholders and clarify the questionnaire items
- Meet with commissioners and designated stakeholders at scheduled meetings to review planning progress and estimated construction costs to complete the work.
- Architura understands the county’s budget limits and may be required to phase out construction to prioritize the projects needing the most immediate attention.
Break down of costs:
- Preliminary Design – $20,000
- Construction documents – $45,000
- Bidding phase – $5,000
- Construction Administration – $20,000
- Expenses allowance (state permit filing, travel, printing, and mailing costs – $10,000
- Total – $100,000
Approximate Schedule:
- Preliminary phase – 4 months
- Construction drawings – 6 months
- Bidding and permits – 3 months
- Construction time varies depending on how many parts of the project can be contracted at the same time – 12 to 16 months is anticipated.
“Having them here to administer this project is a good thing,” said Commissioner Rodney Fish. “This project is going to take some time to complete.”
