Photo by Mike Sobeck
For years, the Classic Revival courthouse was plagued by damaged interior finishes from water leaks and deteriorating exterior sandstone facades. After limited restoration campaigns addressed portions of the building’s exterior, the county received a Keystone Grant to secure funds for restoring the courthouse. SGH performed a condition assessment and developed a rehabilitation program to extend the useful life of the courthouse.
SGH used industrial rope access inside the multi-story rotunda to perform a hands-on condition assessment of the plaster-clad dome featuring mosaics and frescoes depicting the county’s history. We also performed an exterior condition assessment using a mechanical lift and binoculars. SGH designed a comprehensive exterior rehabilitation, including the following:
Waterproofing repairs to the terra-cotta-clad domes
A new skylight with flashing details and a replica finial at the top of the dome
Sandstone masonry repairs at the central drum and other areas around the building
Portico roof replacement
SGH provided construction administration services for all phases of the project. We worked closely with the contractor to evaluate existing conditions as they were uncovered and develop solutions to address unforeseen conditions.
