At the exterior, the rich glazed terracotta detailing was severely deteriorated, along with the metal soffit details and terracotta roofing. The arch topped courtroom windows had been covered with vinyl siding and many of the other existing wood windows were in poor condition. At the interior, much of the original materials and elements remained, but had been covered. Dropped acoustic tile ceilings had been added throughout most of the building, including the courtroom, along with veneer paneling over the walls.
During this project the exterior glazed terracotta was fully restored, requiring recasting of several pieces. The metal cornice was restored along with the original wood windows. A new roof was installed, including the front balcony. The grand front porch steps were restored including removal of the non-original brick finish and providing new handrails and light standards. The interior court spaces were restored to their original character. The tall arched windows were uncovered, and the court and back court layouts were returned to their original configurations with the judge facing south. The dropped ceiling was removed exposing the original decorative plaster ceiling, wall, decorative trims and other finishes. Elements from the original balustrade were found, replicated and reinstalled at the jury box, judge’s bench, witness stand and dividing rail between court and public areas. New pews in character with the original balustrade were designed and installed. The outline of an original cartouche was uncovered over the judges, replicated and reinstalled in the same location. The original “Back Court” areas were also restored incorporating new heating and air systems, electrical systems and other modern necessities while maintaining the character and original finishes of the space.