COTTONWOOD FALLS
The renovation of the Chase County Courthouse is still a minimum of a month away from completion. A grand unveiling planned for Sept. 13 was canceled as work slowed.
The courthouse was voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas in the Architecture category earlier this year through a program with the Kansas Sampler Foundation.
Constructed from 1871 to 1873 and is the oldest operating courthouse in Kansas, the courthouse is getting all new mechanical and electrical systems, along with a new heating and cooling system. The building also will have a sprinkler and fire alarm system when it is completed.
Early this week, the courthouse was quiet as workers painted. Walls are coated with fresh coats of paint and doors are hung and have been painted. Small details are still being worked out as the stairs wait to be refinished and the courtroom is being worked on. Other than construction, the courthouse is empty, as employees were moved to another building. Once construction is done, employees will move back in and the grand re-opening celebration will be rescheduled.
kseyetie (anonymous) says...
Very cool, and what a wonderful building. I'm glad they are preserving it so lovingly.
September 30, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I had said this earlier this year and will say again that refurbishing this fine old building certainly pays homage to the fine workmanship that went into it. Just imagine, those artisans used only their own hand tools and horses to build this beautiful landmark. It feels good to remember them and their painstaking labor.
September 30, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )