Architect to meet with public regarding courthouse condition

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Architect John Volz will meet with the Donley County Commissioners and all interested parties today at 6:30 p.m. in the courtroom.

Volz will discuss the renovation of the Courthouse under the state’s preservation plan for historic courthouses.

Volz and two other architects from the Austin-based Volz and Associates Inc. have been in town all this week examining the 1891 courthouse in preparation for writing a Master Plan for the structure.

“The design of this courthouse is spectacular, and it is one of the finest late 19th century courthouses in the state,” said Volz. “The quality of the architecture is exceptional.”

The architects are looking at every element of the courthouse from the roof to the basement. Volz is planning to bring in a structural engineer to examine the roof trusses and another engineer to look at the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems.

Samples of the stonework are expected to be sent to a petrologist in Austin to be analyzed by X-ray defraction. The results of that analysis will be sent to a specialist in New York who will pinpoint the cause of the stone’s deterioration and recommend a method of preservation.

The Texas Legislature recently bugeted $50 million for this biennium to be used for courthouse restorations around the state. Volz said first round grants for planning will be issued in November under Gov. George W. Bush’s plan for courthouse restorations.

Individuals interested in the preservation and restoration of the Courthouse are invited to attend Thursday’s meeting.