Published: August 01, 2008 11:24 pm         

Officials unveil Vigo County Courthouse renovation

TERRE HAUTE — Nearly four years and more than $13 million later, the 19th century Vigo County Courthouse’s 21st century renovation is complete.

Past and present county officeholders spread a ribbon in front of the entrance Friday as commissioner David Decker cut it with the ceremonial large pair of scissors before the community was allowed inside to tour the courthouse.

County historian Mike McCormick was the master of ceremonies for a brief program before the ribbon-cutting. He was also on hand to explain the history of the structure.

Judge Phillip Adler of Vigo County Superior Court Division 2 has worked in the building for 25 years, during which the courthouse had two temperatures: too hot and too cold, he said at the ceremony.

He referred to the renovations as a “remarkable metamorphosis.”

All courtrooms are larger and more comfortable, he said, noting that before the changes, “the jury had to go into the hallway to change their minds.”

“In my opinion, you can bring anyone here to this courthouse — I don’t care if it’s the president of the United States, the Pope, Dalai Lama, it doesn’t matter — and never have to apologize,” he said. “It’s really that beautiful.”

Originally dedicated June 7, 1888, the courthouse now has all new plumbing, electrical and heating and cooling equipment as well as new duct work, telecommunications and data wiring. The restroom count has doubled to 25, giving each court a staff restroom and jury restroom in addition to seven main restrooms.

The initial structure cost $443,000 to build, the renovations: $13.65 million. Some other improvements include two fire stairs, an extra elevator, 100 historic doors and almost 100 historic light fixtures.

With all the energy-saving changes, the county will save more than $3.81 million in a 10-year period.

Vigo County Clerk Pat Mansard was most impressed with the basement level of the building, she said. Mansard has been clerk since 1989.

“I think it’s remarkable what they’ve been able to do here in transforming this first floor,” she said, considering the ceilings are high like the other floors and there aren’t any windows.

George Decker, 62, didn’t know what to expect when he went in, but was impressed anyway, he said. He was there because his wife works in the building.

He said he likes the way the colors are molded into the existing marble, and the building will give a good impression to visitors.

Rep. Vern Tincher, D-Riley, also was impressed with the colors. He said they were a big improvement from the “institutional grays and greens. It’s light, cheery and just a great atmosphere to do business.”

“It’s a beautiful building now, and it’ll be here for our children and grandchildren to do business,” Tincher said.

Mansard echoed those feelings.

“I think it’s always worth it to invest in such a magnificent building,” she said. “I think it would’ve been a great mistake to not restore this building. It’s the focal point of our community.”

The courthouse will be open today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for anyone who wants to tour it.

Crystal Garcia can be reached at (812) 231-4271 or crystal.garcia@tribstar.com.