Luzerne County Government

January 22, 2010

County sets $5 million courthouse makeover

Much of the work involves stopping leaks in the century-old building.

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter
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Repairs to the historic Luzerne County Courthouse should begin this spring, with completion of the work planned by the end of the year, officials say.

The project, estimated at more than $5 million, will stop leaks that are damaging interior plaster and artwork and repair all three exterior staircase entries, officials say.

Seven contractors responded to the county’s request for qualifications by Friday’s deadline, said project architect Carl Handman.

Handman said he will review their experience, including whether the contractors have successfully completed work on historic buildings. He will prepare a report of his findings for county Engineer Joe Gibbons.

Commissioners unanimously voted Wednesday to release construction plans to contractors that passed prequalification so they may submit bids.

Gibbons wants commissioners to award the bid in March so the chosen contractor will start work “as soon as the weather breaks,” he said during last week’s work session.

The courthouse will be largely encased in scaffolding because the repairs include work above the decorative molding at the roof line, Handman said.

The project includes roof repairs and a fresh coating of high-performance waterproofing on the terra cotta domes in a shade of gray to match the original color. Stained glass windows will be removed, refurbished and reinstalled. Repair and replacement of dome lighting also is part of the project.

The granite exterior steps will be removed and stored while the staircase frames are replaced, Handman said.

County officials have said the project will be primarily funded with money borrowed in the past for capital projects, along with some state historic grants.

Applying the new waterproofing on the domes will be grueling because contractors must first remove layers of old coating so the new glaze will stick and last longer, officials have said.

The domes’ deteriorated waterproofing has allowed leaks onto the inner dome during heavy rain, causing plaster inside to swell, turn to dust and dislodge in pieces.

Once the top of the building is sealed, the county will focus on repairing water-damaged plaster. The artwork and interior stone must be repaired and cleaned, including expensive tile work and gilding.

County officials have not yet figured out how they will fund interior repairs.

“We’re trying to find the most critical areas and tackle them in this phase,” Handman said.

Gibbons told commissioners this is “the first in a series of steps needed to restore this building back to its original condition.”

The courthouse turned 100 in June. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, which means all renovations must match the building’s appearance when it was constructed in 1909.

The building’s exterior walls were ivory or light beige when the building opened, making them blend in with the gray domes. The walls are more orange today because the Ohio sandstone has oxidized.

Jennifer Learn-Andes, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7333.

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