County reviews plans for exterior courthouse repairs
Most visitors to the Marion County Courthouse have probably never noticed that a carved figure up near the second floor on the west side of the building is sticking its tongue out at them.
And if you look at the corners above the entrance to the west side of the building, you'll see a grimacing lion-type face rolling its eye's toward heaven.
It's unique detail like that, along with other historic components, which made the courthouse eligible for a Heritage Trust Grant from the State of Kansas, architect Dan Hall with BG Consultants, Manhattan, told county commissioners Monday.
The grant, which was awarded in May, will help finance restoration and repair of the courthouse exterior "as close to the original as possible." Total project cost is $119,900, according to Carol Maggard, Marion County clerk.
The State of Kansas will provide 80 percent of the funding or $90,000 which is the maximum amount of funding granted per application, while the county is responsible for the remaining 20 percent or $29,900.
Hall showed the commission detailed plans of repairs and renovations to be completed on the exterior of the courthouse, hopefully during summer 2003.
Hall said four types of work will be completed on the exterior: First, the black debris and mold will be removed; second, all missing and deteriorating mortar joints will be repaired; third, fasteners currently holding Christmas lights year-long will be removed and replaced with stainless steel fasteners; and finally, areas on the stairways which have deteriorated will be repaired.
"There's been a lot of deterioration," Hall said. "But this building is almost 100 years old."
Hall said information in the plans and specification book are as detailed as possible; however, potential bidders are always encouraged to visit the site and review the job before making a bid.
"There are several firms in Kansas who work with the historical society all the time," Hall said. "That limits your bidders, but (these people) know what they're doing."
The plans will be sent to the state architect's office in Topeka where they have 30 days to review the proposed repairs.
"Hopefully, we'll get that back in mid-to late-January, Hall said, noting he'd like to put the project out for bid by the first of March. The project must be advertised for 30 days in advance of the bid letting.
"I don't know if we have a 'typical' winter anymore," Hall said. "But that should be a good time — before the contractors get too busy."
This is Marion County's second Heritage Trust Fund Grant. The first funded the complete restoration of the clock in the tower in May 1997, Maggard said.
"They only fund 25 percent of applicants so Marion County has been very lucky," Hall said.
Commissioner Howard Collett questioned whether the project might be impacted by state budget cuts.
Hall said that would not be a problem because the grant program is funded by money generated when property owners file their mortgage at their respective courthouse.
"When people refinance, it's great for this program," Hall said, noting there was just less than $1 million set aside for the program in 2003.
