County considers more THC grant money

The Donley County Commissioners’ Court will decide Friday whether to seek additional state funds for the restoration of the 1890 Courthouse.

But first, commissioners say they want to know where the county stands on the current project. A 90-percent estimate of projected cost of the restoration is expected to be delivered here by the architects the middle of this week. The estimate will shed some light on whether the local project is still within its original $2.9 million budget.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is accepting requests for small supplemental funding grants for counties that have already been awarded construction grants under the Texas Courthouse Preservation Project. To get in on the additional funding, the county must file a one-page application with the THC on Friday.

Two recent discoveries may increase the cost of restoring the courthouse to its original state.

During demolition work in the district courtroom, the county uncovered the remnants of a large fireplace in the south end of the room. Ghost images can still be seen of the cast iron mantle and tile hearth. Recreating this fireplace, however, may cost approximately $10,000.

Another discovery was made by Enterprise publisher Roger Estlack, who found a small picture of the courthouse in a 1914 Clarendon College yearbook. The photograph shows a masonry gable on the south side of the building. All other early photos of the courthouse were taken from the north or east elevations, making this element unknown during the master planning stage of the project. To recreate this element and truly make the building appear as it originally did could cost as much as an additional $77,000. The brick and stone masonry accounts for the bulk of this cost.

Supplemental funding from the THC would be on the same 85/15 matching scale as the original grant. If the county were to apply and be approved for $87,000, the county would have to put up $13,050 to match the state funds.

If an application is made, officials say they feel they would have a very good chance at getting the state money due to Donley County’s unique courthouse.

County officials also say they believe future state funding for courthouse projects is uncertain.

In other courthouse project news, commissioners voted in a called session Monday to hold an auction on Saturday, April 28, 2001, to sell salvaged material and equipment from the building. Items to be sold will include the radiators, plywood and lumber, boiler parts and chemicals, a large safe, and antique plumbing fixtures.

The commissioners also discussed the annual July Fourth celebration, which is usually held on the courthouse square. The grounds won’t be available this year due to the construction project, and the celebration will likely be moved to City Park. Commissioners agreed to ask the Chamber of Commerce to route the parade so that it runs at least one block away from the square.

Meanwhile in the courthouse, workers continue the abatement process this week. Sun City Analytical’s operation manager Hector Diaz says the abatement company is now focusing on removal of bat guano from the courthouse attic. They are also busy cleaning the guano off the old theatre-style chairs, which were stored in the attic.

To learn more about the restoration of the Donley County Courthouse, click here.