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Livingston County Courthouse
Project Information
- Project Location:
- Howell, MI
- Approx Contract:
- $300,000
- Status:
- Completed
- Structure Type:
- Court House
References
- Architect:
- Lindhout Associates
Scope Of Work
The Livingston County Courthouse is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Completed in 1890, the building is representative of rare late nineteenth-century courthouse architecture. It boasts a four-sided clock tower topped by a steeply pitched roof that dominates the shingled, multi-gable, hipped roof. Exterior decorative elements include bluestone beltcourses, lintels, window hoods, and arched entry ways. Interior decorative elements include oak and maple trim and murals. The courthouse serves its original function and has become a cultural landmark for the County.
The need for this project developed when the plaster enclosure surrounding a section of a wooden beam in the second floor courtroom fell to the floor during a court session, causing the courtroom to be closed due to safety concerns. Christman determined that the damage was a result of water infiltration, causing the deterioration of a timber truss.
Prior to the start of construction, lead paint was discovered in the courtroom. After the abatement of the paint was completed, the repair to the timber structure began. In addition to the timber repair, conservation of the plaster and decorative paint in the courtroom was performed while the first and third floors remained fully occupied. Certain parts of the work were performed at night so day-to-day activities were not disrupted.
The Christman team was faced with developing the most economical approach to the repairs while preserving the historic fabric of the courthouse. The approach was to include conservation techniques in lieu of removal and replacement. The deteriorated timber truss was strengthened with the use of steel plates and tension rods and was repaired in place using epoxy infill. Plaster was replicated at the beam enclosure while all other areas throughout the courthouse were repaired using plaster consolidation and paint re-adhesion.
Industry:
Historic Preservation, Public
Scope of Services:
Historic Preservation
Delivery Method:
Construction Management
Designation:
National Register
Project Value:
$300,000
Architect:
Lindhout Associates
