Upshur County Courthouse Restoration Reveals Architectural Treasures

The restoration of the Upshur County Courthouse in Gilmer, Texas, has uncovered hidden architectural features that had long been concealed. The project, which began in early 2024, aims to revive the courthouse’s unique Art Deco style, transforming the nearly 90-year-old building into a stunning representation of its original design. The renovation is part of a larger effort, financed in part by a $5.2 million grant from the Texas Historical Commission’s Courthouse Preservation Program.

Architect Rick Sacy and the construction team from J.C. Stoddard Construction have revealed that many of the courthouse’s most beautiful elements were hidden beneath false walls, paneling, and outdated paint jobs. The project, which has an estimated overall cost of $15 million, involves extensive restoration of virtually every aspect of the courthouse, including doors, ceilings, and walls.

Restoration Challenges and Discoveries

During the renovation, workers discovered significant issues that had been masked by cosmetic changes over the decades. For example, in the main courtroom, a decorative fluted design behind the judge’s bench was uncovered, previously obscured by wood paneling. Sacy described the moment of discovery as exhilarating: “We were ecstatic. We were almost dancing around. Look at this!”

Despite the excitement, the hidden beauty often came with challenges. The wood paneling had been added to cover substantial water damage, which led the team to investigate and identify significant roof problems. “The flashing and the waterproofing up on the roof was in very, very, very bad shape, and it had been that way for the last 50 years,” Sacy noted. This damage, often unseen for decades, necessitated extensive repairs before the restoration could proceed.

As the restoration continued, it became evident that about 85% of the interior plaster along the exterior walls had been affected by prolonged water leaks. The old plaster is currently being removed and replaced with fresh material, ensuring that the structural integrity of the building is restored.

Modern Upgrades and Historical Preservation

In addition to restoring historical elements, the renovation will also enhance the building’s functionality. Improvements include better accessibility, with a new elevator being installed, and the integration of a geothermal heating and cooling system. This modern system utilizes stable ground temperatures to efficiently heat or cool individual offices, allowing for customized climate control throughout the courthouse.

The fifth floor, which served as the county jail for decades, is being repurposed into office space for the district attorney. The restoration is set to be completed by April 23, 2024, according to Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur, who is overseeing the project. Despite some unforeseen challenges, LaFleur expressed confidence in the project’s progress, stating, “This team has just been phenomenal getting this thing up to the finish line.”

As the renovation nears completion, the courthouse is expected to be a source of pride for the residents of Upshur County. LaFleur emphasized the significance of the project, noting, “This is going to end up being something the people of Upshur County can be very proud of when we’re finished. It’s going to be a remarkable change from the last time that people were able to publicly walk in this building.”

The restoration of the Upshur County Courthouse not only highlights the beauty of its original design but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical architecture for future generations.