Skip to content

Korte Luitjohan Contractors Inc., Washington County Courthouse, Nashville, Ill.

By DENNIS GRUBAUGH
p08 Courthouse    Restoring a building built in 1884 is always a challenge, but the team assembled by Korte & Luitjohan Contractors Inc. for the Washington County Courthouse in Nashville, Ill., was up to the task, project manager Del Scott says.
    The Highland-based company wrapped up work on the 14-month, $3.4 million project in May. The building houses many county offices (the courts moved out of the courthouse two years ago to a new building).
    While maintaining the original historic feel and look, Korte & Luitjohan updated, renovated and remodeled the 132-year-old building with sustainable mechanical systems, wet sprinkler fire protection, emergency generator and a completely new electrical system.
    The county offices were relocated for efficiency to other buildings, leaving the structure available from the basement, first and second floor into the attic for Korte & Luitjohan to remove structural walls and restore deteriorated conditions.
    The building was a complete gut and restore. The team added facilities compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act, new terrazzo floors with embedded water-cut county logo, hardwood flooring, beaded tongue and groove wainscoting, crown molding, coffered drywall ceilings, and new doors and frames matching the original.
    The prominent, curved wooden staircase was also restored to its original beauty.  
    The exterior of the building was also updated to meet ADA compliance. There is a new pedestal sign, walks and stairs.
    New cornerstones, featuring the original dates, were also installed.
    “This is a proud addition to K&L’s already growing historic and renovation-completed projects,” Scott said.

Leave a Comment