From our April 5, 2001, edition.
County files request for additional THC funds
Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise
Donley
County filed a request with the Texas Historical Commission (THC) on
Friday, seeking an additional $73,159.50 in state funding for the
restoration of the 1890 courthouse.
The
commissioners’ court voted unanimously to make the request in a called
session Friday morning.
The
money would be used to restore a third story masonry gable on the
building’s south façade and a cast iron fireplace in the district
courtroom.
Both
items were original to the courthouse, but they were unknown at the time
the restoration Master Plan was put together in 1999 and were only
recently rediscovered. Commissioners agree the missing elements need to be
replaced to make any restoration more complete.
If
approved, the supplemental grant would cost the county an additional
$12,910.50. A decision is expected from the THC by on April 19, 2001.
Additional
money from THC became possible when Archer County, which had received a
courthouse grant last fall during Round II funding, recently turned back
the state money.
Also
on Friday, county commissioners discussed the budget of the courthouse
project, and a conference call was held with architect Chris Hutson of
Volz & Associates in Austin.
Hutson
told the court that he is including “deductive alternates” into the
construction bid packages, which would give the county options if bids
come in over budget. The alternatives would allow the county to eliminate
items from the project that would have the least impact on the
restoration.
Estimates
for the local project are being made based on going rates for historic
restorations in the Austin and San Antonio areas. The cost of using
construction companies in the Panhandle region may be cheaper.
“This
may go to bid and everything be fine,” Hutson said, “but I would
rather prepare for it now than [the county] be hit with sticker shock when
the bids come in.”
To learn more about the restoration of the Donley County Courthouse, click here.