Historic courthouse renovation receives recognition
February 24, 2017 · Accolades, Projects
The Limestone County Courthouse renovation won the Alabama Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America 2017 BuildSouth Award in the renovation under $5 million category. Originally constructed in 1916 in downtown Athens, Ala., the historic courthouse is where Circuit Judge James Horton made the famous decision to set aside the conviction of Haywood Patterson, one of the defendants in the Scottsboro Boys case, in 1933.
The renovation improved the structural integrity of the 98-year-old building while also adding state-of-the-art HVAC, electrical, data and communications systems. Ground penetrating radar was used to locate the existing concrete floor joists to position new plumbing and conduits, and all of the existing wood trim was removed, refinished and reinstalled. The Alabama AGC commended the efforts of those involved with the project, noting that, “Together the community saved a treasured piece of history that now better serves the public.”
Martin & Cobey Construction, the program manager for the project, received the award and presented plaques to the Limestone County Commission and GMC Huntsville Vice President of Architecture Robert Littleton. The courthouse officially reopened in January.