The renovations to the historic San Augustine County
Courthouse are progressing well, according to Project Superintendent Steve
Wright with J.E. Kingham Construction, contractor of the $4.3 million project.
Passersby have noticed much activity on the outside of the
1927 structure, working on the façade and roof of the building. On the inside,
the inner workings of the buildings heating, cooling, electrical and telephones
have been the focus.
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This worker is cleaning the rust from the lintel, which is the metal
plate above the window that holds the stone above it. As the rust
accumulates it can actually push the stone upwards causing cracks in the
exterior. ToledoChronicle.com photo |
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The stone has been removed from this window to ensure proper cleaning of
the lintel. ToledoChronicle.com photo |
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The bronze doors and windows of the north entrance of the historic
structure will be restored "in place" to their original condition.
Reproductions of the original wooden doors on the east and west
entrances will also be done along with a replica of the smaller bronze
doors on the south entrance. ToledoChronicle.com
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Workers will begin replacing these aluminum windows in the next two
weeks with reproductions of the original windows made with white oak
frames. ToledoChronicle.com photo |
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Much work on the utilities has been taking place on the inside of the
structure. Here a worker insulates the duct work after the fir
down is complete. This is the north wall of the County Clerk's
office. The walls of the vault are 14 inches thick. When a
contractor was brought in to cut holes for the ducting, a 3 feet
diameter diamond tip blade was used. It took a whole day just to
cut one hole, said Wright. ToledoChronicle.com
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Most of the original wood left in the building is being stripped down
to the bare wood and will be refinished. Here are some of the
transom windows removed from above the doors.
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A wood identification expert from Stephen F. Austin State University
was brought to the site to identify all of the different types of wood.
These doors are fir with yellow pine trim and jambs. The transom
from the Tax Collector's Office waits for refinishing.
ToledoChronicle.com photo |
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Is it original or a copy? This theater seat which will be used
in the County Courtroom is virtually identical to the original seating
taken from the room years ago. ToledoChronicle.com
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Steve Wright reaches for one of the refinished seats from the
District Courtroom. The armrests and sides are maple while the
seats and backs are Honduran mahogany. Wright said they are still
looking for a contractor to refinish the seats.
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Wright stands next to one of the arch windows along the south wall of
the District Courtroom. The windows will be rebuilt in place with
white oak frames. Part of the framing is already in place and will
be used as a pattern for the remaining windows.
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An acoustics expert has been called in to help with the ceiling tile.
Now and echo chamber with the installation of microphones, the noise
level control is important. ToledoChronicle.com
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This is just part of the complete renovation of the heating and
cooling system in the building. ToledoChronicle.com
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This will be the District Judges Chambers on the third floor.
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This is the attic of the historic structure. Over the last 82
years it developed a swag and has now been reinforced to prevent further
damage. The decking is rough cut 1X8 and 1X10 lumber.
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These are just some of the 21 condensing units that will sit on the
roof of the courthouse to keep the building air conditioned.
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The green Spanish style roof was the original style.
Interestingly, the tile that is going back on the roof is not only the
same style and the same color, it is being made by the same company that
made the original tile that was on the building.
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A view from the roof looking north.
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The outside of the building will get one more cleaning, according to
Wright. ToledoChronicle.com photo |