The exterior of Bartholomew County Courthouse in Columbus, Ind., pictured, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Bartholomew County commissioners are preparing for long-delayed exterior repairs and upgrades at the historic courthouse in Columbus.
A $10,000 contract with DLZ Indiana was unanimously approved Monday for a life-cycle analysis of the courthouse which was built in 1874.
“When you have a building that old, there are three or four things that are critical,” county commissioner Larry Kleinhenz said. “Foundation, roof, exterior and sealant.”
Kleinhenz says those conducting the inspection will analyze the degree of deterioration, in order to provide a life expectancy on what they examine.
“The life expectancy study will ultimately lead to a courthouse renovation project tentatively scheduled for 2025,” he said.
Professionals are required for this work because it is nearly impossible for county employees to make valid assessments without property training and equipment allowing them to get to out-of-reach areas, he said.
“I think our courthouse is one of the most beautiful in the state,” commissioner Chairman Tony London said. “We don’t want any surprises and I hope (repairs) will last a very, very long time.”
The commissioners are particularly concerned about the limestone at the base of the courthouse. The county did a veneer replacement on a number of large slabs of exterior limestone more than 20 years ago, Kleinhenz said. But now, the courthouse has reached the point where additional replacement in the building’s foundation is needed, he said.
The analysis of the courthouse will focus on foundation, limestone, exterior bricking, windows and roof, Kleinhenz said.
The commissioners had set aside money for the courthouse renovations in the summer of 2020, but decided to use those funds to purchase 57 body and 54 car cameras for local deputies instead.
Because much of the courthouse deterioration is not visible to the naked eye, Kleinhenz says it could be ignored for years without most people noticing a problem. But he, as well as the other two commissioners, say it’s time to stop delaying the repairs because the deterioration will only get worse and more expensive over time.
In addition to the courthouse, a life-cycle analysis will also be made of the Bartholomew County General Office building at 440 Third St., with an emphasis on windows and seals.
The county’s office building was constructed on the former site of the Belvedere Motel that was destroyed by fire in 1967. The new building, which spent 10 years as a hotel and restaurant called the Surrey Inn, was converted into county office space in 1977.
