Architect sought for project

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Donley County took another step toward restoration of its historic 1890 courthouse when commissioners met Monday morning.

In a unanimous vote, the commissioners’ court authorized County Judge Jack Hall to solicit proposals for architectural services.

A final contract with an architectural firm would be contingent upon the county receiving funds from the state’s courthouse preservation project.

The county is advertising this week and next week in The Clarendon Enterprise and the Amarillo Globe-News to solicit the proposals.

Gary Pitner of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission (PRPC) told the court that the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is interested in getting the courthouse projects started as soon as possible. The THC wants to be able to show progress on the projects when the Legislature convenes next year in order to help secure future funding of other projects, Pitner said.

In light of this, Pitner said the PRPC recommended that the county solicit proposals now to get a jump on the process and to show Donley County’s support for the THC’s desire to expedite the projects.

The county had said it would follow an accelerated timeline for securing an architect in its grant application to the state.

The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program will provide $50 million in the next two years to Texas counties for the restoration of their historic courthouses. The program represents the largest and most far-reaching historic preservation initiative ever conceived by a state government.

Donley County submitted its application last week to be considered in the first round of grants under the program.

If approved, the project would cost approximately $3 million with 85 percent of the funds coming from the state and 15 percent coming from the county.

The THC is expected to announce the first round recipients of grant money at its May 4 commission meeting in San Antonio.