The McIntosh County Commissioners will hold a groundbreaking for the new addition to the west side of the courthouse at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23.
The Commissioners awarded the construction contract for the $6.2 million project to Williams Contracting, Inc. out of Muskogee.
Duane Mass, of Mass Architects, designed the project, which will take an estimated 18 months to complete.
The project includes extensive renovation inside the old courthouse and the addition of a three-story west wing, which will add more than 5,000 square feet of floor space to the building.
The bottom floor will serve as a tornado shelter for the public.
Construction of the original courthouse was completed in June, 1927.
Among the changes coming: – Remodeled courtroom, judge’s chambers, jury room and more.
– The elevator operating system will be changed from hydraulic to electric, for a smoother, more dependable ride.
– About 10 parking spaces will be lost due to the new addition, but those parking spaces will be moved about 60 feet west.
– More office space for all departments.
– New HVAC system that will allow removal of the dropped ceilings.
– Renovated restrooms.
– Roof alterations to stop leaks.
– New windows. – Preservation of its historic look.
– Skylight over the central stairway.
