MARSHALL, N.C. (WLOS) — The centerpiece of downtown Marshall is the historic Madison County Courthouse, which was built in 1907. But complaints about its aging infrastructure have led county leaders to approve a minimal spending plan of $845,000.
Madison County Courthouse set for upgrade, while plans for $60 million complex underway
Even though state funds for court use came through at more than $3.8 million, county leaders decided to hold $3 million for a new courthouse. In the meantime, the courthouse in downtown Marshall will get needed upgrades, starting Oct. 30.
“You’re looking at the only entrance to the courthouse,” county manager Rod Honeycutt said, pointing out that adding a second access door would be part of the upgrades.
OCT. 16, 2023 – Even though state funds for court use came through at more than $3.8 million, Madison County leaders decided to hold $3 million and use it for a new courthouse and government building complex. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
Other improvements will include work on the roof and stairwell and installing new flooring. But Honeycutt said a complete overhaul was estimated at $12 to $14 million, and county leaders decided not to go that route. He said the county created a group to study what it would take to upgrade the historic courthouse.
“The workgroup hired an engineer, and the engineer made the assessment, of the $3.8 million the state has awarded you, it’s not gonna touch it,” Honeycutt said.
OCT. 16, 2023 – County leaders have approved a minimal spending plan of $845,000 for making upgrades to the historic Madison County Courthouse, which was built in 1907. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
That meant the cost would well surpass the awarded amount. The idea is to focus on keeping back $3 million and putting it toward what could be an estimated $60 million government building complex that would include courtrooms and court offices.
“We said, ‘Let’s make a good decision, be good stewards of our taxpayer dollars and look forward,’” Honeycutt said.
Right now though, the focus is on a smooth and speedy renovation job for the historic courthouse. Signage at the front doors notifies those with court hearings that come Oct. 30, court and court records will all be at the county expo offices at 258 Carolina Lane in Marshall.
Renovations are expected to take about three months.
“We aren’t looking forward to the temporary move,” Superior Court Clerk Mark Cody said. “But we know it’s necessary, and we’re excited to be returning after having various health and safety issues addressed.”
OCT. 16, 2023 – Even though state funds for court use came through at more than $3.8 million, Madison County leaders decided to hold $3 million and use it for a new courthouse and government building complex. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
While there were questions about mold, Honeycutt said testing determined there isn’t any concern or issues with mold in the building.
Later this month, Madison County commissioners will hear a recommendation to form a new group to review a development plan for a courthouse and government buildings. Honeycutt said the tentative plan is for the historic courthouse to be used for another four years with the hope that a new complex could be funded and opened in that time.
Source: WLOS
