Preservation Plan, Historic Crawford County Courthouse, Knoxville, Crawford County, Georgia

Lord Aeck Sargent Historic Preservation Studio

From executive summary: "The 1851 Crawford County Courthouse is an excellent example of mid-nineteenth century vernacular courthouses in Georgia. It possesses characteristics reflected in courthouses in the region later in the decade of the 1850's and early '60's, namely Thomas and Brooks County both designed by John Wind. While the authorship of the Crawford County Courthouse is not clear, historical records suggest the "plans were drawn" by George W. Scattergood. The courthouse remains in the ownership of Crawford County and is leased to the local historical society the building. The improvement program outlined herein reclaims historically significant features while preparing the building to support community uses ranging from festivals to exhibits. The historic features that will reestablish significant character include reproducing the 6/6 wood window sashes and shutters in the extant original frames, installing a flat seamed metal roof and reclaiming the characteristics of the historic square. The addition should be removed and the windows modified for connecting doors to the courthouse should be rebuilt. To support future use, one room on each floor should be modified to accommodate an elevator, restrooms and a small catering kitchen. One room should be used for a visitor center and three rooms downstairs should be used for exhibit galleries. On the second floor, the judge's chambers should interpret the conditions of a 19th century rural judge. The courtroom finishes should be restored where possible. The courtroom should remain substantially open to accommodate a variety of community activities, New mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems should be installed. County government's participation in funding and implementing the needed improvements is critical in that the long term viability of the historic courthouse. The scope of improvements scheduled herein is budgeted to be between $1,815,017 and $2,178.020 in commercial construction value depending on the approach to project delivery." Funding for this project was provided in part through a Preserve America grant administered by the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Preserve America is a federal initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the program include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

Preservation Plan, Historic Crawford County Courthouse, Knoxville, Crawford County, Georgia

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