“What are the estimated repair costs to return the Courthouse to public use?”
A true estimate by qualified professionals has not been developed, nor has a bid for the work been presented to the Commissioners.
“What is the source of the funds for repair?”
Funding for repair items will primarily be a combination of three sources:
State and Federal funding
Private philanthropic groups (that specifically tailor their gifts to historic structures)
Private donations.
“I heard the estimated repair cost was $7MM------what’s with that?”
A local contractor submitted estimates totaling $3.5MM. The original estimate was increased by an additional $925,000 as a contingency and then added an additional 64% to the line-item totals to cover perceived inflation, bringing the total to $7MM. It is not based on engineered estimates by professionals who are qualified for this type of work and there are several line items included for repair or replacement in that estimate that do not need to be addressed at this time. Additionally, several of the line items from the estimate are either priced at or have been inflated to an abnormally high cost and no supporting documentation was provided by the contractor to support the exceptionally high estimates they provided.
“Assuming the Courthouse can pay for itself after repairs, are there any other benefits to redeveloping the Courthouse - why should I vote yes?”
First and foremost, the building carries significant historical value and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2024 the Courthouse was placed on Landmarks Illinois’ Most Endangered Historic Places list. To date, the building has only had minimal alterations to its original design and preserving this historical Johnson County Landmark creates a significant point of interest, adding to Johnson County’s tourism opportunities.
“What is the intended use for the 1871 Courthouse after repairs?”
The Board of Commissioners have advised that any re-use must be “For Public Benefit”, but with no further clarification. JCRC’s best interpretation is that the 1st floor can be used for offices, such as Illinois State representative, Criminal Justice Probation Office, Criminal Justice Parole Office, Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) Office, etc.
There are a variety of potential uses for the 2nd floor, ranging from Mock Trials for SIU School of Law Students (think locally famous Coon Dog Trial or several murder trials), to Craft Exhibits and Demonstrations, Conference Center, Wedding/Event Venue, etc. ALL OF WHICH WOULD BE INCOME PRODUCING!
“Who will pay the operational cost for the redeveloped Courthouse?”
JCRC is working to secure State of Illinois funding that will cover up to 20 years Operational Expenses to include utilities, insurance, and maintenance. There will also be monthly revenue from tenants and fee collections from other approved uses.
“I heard the Courthouse has been condemned??”
Not true. Out of an abundance of caution, the Board of Commissioners have opted for an ultra-conservative approach and currently allow no entrance to the building. This is not based on engineering assessment and is currently preventing any repair or redevelopment progress.
“What broke in the attic that required moving out of the Courthouse?”
The bottom horizontal, wooden beam (chord) finally fractured completely in September 2023. Examination of the break indicated that the break was not totally new, but had been gradually fracturing over many years, possibly even due to a natural defect in the wooden member.
“Is the 1871 Courthouse structurally stable?”
Absolutely! The fractured truss chord has been raised into position and is supported by structural scaffolding with widespread timber mats to distribute the load to both the first and second floors. Steel cables have been installed to hold the ends of the chord together, and steel “star washers” with cross building cables will be installed to assist in holding the walls plumb, as seen in many older buildings. Structural engineers from White Borgognoni recently were in the building and commented…
“A recent assessment of the building found it to be in overall stable condition, with good potential for rehabilitation and restoration. The building’s foundations, masonry walls, and wood-frame bearing walls show no evidence of settlement or displacement. The first- and second-floor framing likewise show no signs of structural distress or significant deflection. The attic wood structure is generally stable, with the exception of the area adjacent to the failed roof truss. Importantly, these findings indicate that the building’s primary structural systems remain intact and capable of supporting a preservation-based rehabilitation approach.”
“What repair work is required for redevelopment?”
The repair work would be completed in common sense, methodical phases.
Phase I - Get the Doors Open; consisting of broken truss repair (as well as preventative stiffening of the remaining two trusses), roof repair, repair soffit and corbels, and install roof crickets at the four chimneys.
Phase II - Prepare the First Floor for Occupation; includes exterior foundation drainage, new HVAC, new flooring, two new restrooms, and interior painting.
Phase III - Bring Back the Second Floor; includes adding an elevator, Courtroom cosmetics, and tuckpoint/waterproof the exterior masonry.
Lease of Space within the building will occur as the work allows to ensure the building is returned to public benefit ASAP!
Later Improvements will include upgrade and/or replacement of windows and doors, lighting, security but are not necessary at this time.
“What about the stories of mold in the basement?”
There is no evidence of dangerous molds (black, green, blue, or red) in the basement. There is white mildew residue, which is much different than mold and is easily treated. The Courthouse has been plagued for many years with moisture in the basement. This condition existed for many years PRIOR to the closing in September 2023 and fixing it was ignored by several Commissioner Boards.
“Why is there that much moisture in the basement?”
There are two contributing factors; poor drainage (foundation water migration) and interior basement walls.
The foundation water migration issue is two-fold, the sandstone foundation and poor exterior drainage around the building
There is a maze of walls constructed in the basement without proper ventilation and/or additional moisture mitigation methods.
Both will be addressed in the repair and redevelopment.
“What about the rumored ‘leaky roof’ on the Courthouse?”
Yes, the metal roof has some issues that will be repaired and should be sufficient for many years. Here again is an example of an issue that had been ignored or kicked down the road for many years by previous Commissioner Boards and now must be addressed.