Courthouse project wins award

Belinda Stewart Architects, of Eudora, won a 2022 Heritage Award of Excellence for the restoration of the courthouse roof in Marshall County.

The awards were presented at the Raymond Venue in Raymond, where preservationists saw 30 awards handed out by BankPlus and the Mississippi Heritage Trust.

The courthouse was built in 1870. Stewart said the condition of the courthouse was first assessed and replacing the failing roof was the first priority. Part of the restoration of the roof included the rehabilitation of the cupola housing the clock and bell.

“The community centerpiece is ready for the next 150 years,” Stewart said.

That includes new electronic controller, the 4-way clock movement with brass gearing, new shaft drives and metal hands.

Stewart also received an award for restoration of the Bolivar Multipurpose Expo Complex in Cleveland and completion of the initial restoration of the Byhalia Old School Commons.

The project cost was $922,000 with Progressive Construction general contractor, according to Chuck Thomas, Marshall County chancery clerk.

The roof repair stopped leaks that were destroying the wood in and under the roof. Decking was replaced and the copper guttering built into the soffits were repaired.

Repairs were made inside the courtroom.

All exterior wood was repaired or replaced if needed and painted. The ceiling was insulated.

Thomas said a new electronic clock with chimes was installed in the bell tower because the old clock was costing too much to keep repaired. The mechanical parts were given to the Marshall County Historical Museum, he said.

“It is holding up well and we are so pleased with it,” Thomas said. “As a result of this project we rebuilt the two gazebos to make the whole courtyard put back in its place as originally built.”

Other projects that are continuing the improvement of the courthouse grounds by the county include straightening the granite curbs around the borders of the courtyard. And the Osborne Bell monument and the Veterans Monument have been pressure washed.

Thomas said the next step this summer when all copings are finished will be to sod the courthouse lawn.

After that, the air handling system needs to be modernized, Thomas said.

That will mean the air conditioning and heating system will need to be replaced as well as blowers.

He said the blowers in the courtroom are so loud that the blowers have to be turned off so the court recorder can hear the proceedings.