BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
A $500,000 state appropriation is being put to work in the design and engineering of upgrades to the Bradford County Courthouse.
The county requested $2 million to modernize and better secure the courthouse, particularly the first-level clerk’s office. Legislators allocated $500,000 to start alongside other awards, including nearly $1 million for first responder communication upgrades and $2 million for Starke utility extensions.
Adam Gayle detailed the proposed work for the commission. Gayle is an architect with Superlative Architecture and Development, a company under NV5, which has a continuing engineering services contract with Bradford County. He summarized the project as bringing the courthouse into this century while addressing safety concerns as well as accessibility for all.
The first phase involves the clerk’s front office and vault. The vault space will be renovated with addition of new service desks and safety partitions. The existing front office will be turned into a new lobby, and official records will be located there. Clerk of the Courts Denny Thompson’s office and conference room will be relocated and space made for the addition of two new ADA compliant restrooms. There may also be funding within the first phase to update flooring in the security office.
A second phase will reconstruct the finance office, addressing functionality and security. The third phase will modernize the existing restrooms and make them ADA compliant. Phase four finally moves upstairs to the courtrooms and jury rooms. Again, security and ADA concerns will be addressed as the finishes are improved. Phase five will update the judges’ chambers and staff offices.
NV5 was told to move forward with design, engineering and consulting services for phase one, with the cost not to exceed $140,000. This includes money for the additional project reporting required by the state through the Office of State Court Administrators. The total cost of the first phase, including construction, is just over $1 million, to be paid for by the state appropriation and an additional $505,556 included in the county’s capital improvement plan. Any unused funds will be rolled over into the future phases. The current project total for all five phases is estimated at $2,161,750.
The design phase should require 10 weeks. Permitting and bidding will require another 10 to 12 weeks. Once the contract is awarded and construction begins, renovation work may be restricted to evening hours. Relocating staff and serving the public during construction is expected to present challenges. The duration of construction is yet to be determined.
And around back
Sheriff Gordon Smith said construction at the sallyport at the rear of the courthouse will improve security for judges and high-risk transports. It is paid for by funding for the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
Tickets available for Christmas Homes Tour
This year marks Melrose’s 11th Triennial Christmas Home Tour, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 14. The tour promises a unique experience, featuring both beloved homes from previous tours and several homes that have never participated.
In the spirit of celebration, the event will include live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments at the Homemakers Club, where a stunning display of model wooden boats by artisan Donald Love will be featured.
Presale tickets are now available. Tickets can be purchased online until Dec. 10 at historicmelroseinc.org. They will also be available in person during the Merry Melrose Parade at the Daurer History Center on Dec. 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. On the day of the tour, tickets can be acquired at the Baldwin Store beginning at 12:30 p.m.
