LANCASTER − The Fairfield County Courthouse certainly looks a little different now.
That’s because it’s shrouded in scaffolding as workers work on the roof of the building that dates back to 1872..
“We’re putting in a 2-inch insulation layer and then a water-tight membrane made out of vinyl that would give us a 30-year warranty on the roof of the courthouse,” facilities manager Jon Kochis said. “It’s something that was the key piece in finishing the restoration of the courthouse and extending the life of the building.”
The work is part of a $6 million renovation project that also includes the adjacent Hall of Justice and a building at the Liberty Center. The courthouse roof work is set for an April completion and that part of the total renovation cost is about $600,000.
Workers previously treated the courthouse’s sandstone exterior, did flooring work, installed new windows and doors and replaced the heating and cooling system. Kochis said replacing the doors and windows and heating and cooling systems in the courthouse and Hall of Justice will lead to annual savings of around $400,000 in energy costs.
As another way to save energy costs, the county installed a solar field at the Liberty Center building.
“I really think we’ve combined a number of different goals,” Kochis said of the entire renovation project. “Energy efficiency, reducing costs and maintaining the historic value. Interestingly, this is our second courthouse. The first courthouse was built right in the intersection of Main and Broad (streets).”
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https://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/story/news/local/2024/02/13/fairfield-county-courthouse-undergoing-roofing-work/72453622007/
