Centre County Government

Centre County Courthouse

2003 Courthouse Restoration Project

An initiative of the Centre County Commissioners

The 2003 Restoration Project Schedule

Construction will proceed as follows:

• Mobilize, set job trailer and fencing the week of July 28th
• Construct egress protection scaffolding at the front entrance the week of July 28th
• Begin work on the north side of the portico colonnade
• Begin cupola work in August
• Begin work on the granite steps
• Begin tree removal first week in August
• Begin courtyard demolition second week in August
• Begin courtyard utilities work
• Begin work on the sidewalk north of the Courthouse
• Begin work on the courtyard
• Begin work on the sidewalk south of the Courthouse
• Anticipated completion of concrete work-mid October
• Begin copper roof work in September (historic portion)
• Begin EPDM membrane roofing in October

Public Access: Efforts will be made to maintain access through the front entrance throughout the project by erecting a protected walkway from the door to a sidewalk/street. From time to time, this walkway will have to be relocated and may be closed for safety reasons.

Copper Shingles: With proper care, copper shingles will last double the time of the traditional asphalt, and are in keeping with the historical nature of the building.

New Courtyard: The most notable change, however, will be the reconfiguration of the courtyard. Historic documents show the courtyard to have a central walkway, flanked by grassy areas each accentuated with a decorative water fountain.

The proposed plan will restore the courtyard closer to its original design. Architectural improvements include greater access to the military memorials, increased bench seating and open space for wheelchairs along the walkways, additional light fixtures, and ornamental safety-effective railing will replace the "pipe" railing along the north and south sides of the building.

Tree Issues: Last year Centre County Government hired Andrew M. Moore, Tree Surgeon, from State College to investigate the trees located at the Courthouse. The evaluation stated the trees suffered from verticillium wilt This disease causes the trees to become hollow, creating a public safety hazard. Because of this, existing trees will be replaced as part of the restored landscaping.