Work continues on the historic restoration of the Polk County Courthouse through the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, a grant program administered through the Texas Historical Commission.
“There are big updates from your historic Polk County Courthouse. We’ve been working hard to preserve the heart of Polk County – and it’s really starting to show. From original brickwork to modern infrastructure upgrades, this is history in the making,” Jessica Hutchins, Polk County’s grant and contract coordinator, said.
Exterior work and masonry
“The original bricks were carefully pulled, cleaned and restored to their natural beauty. The historic red concrete floors were saved and sealed after removing old glue and mastic. The courthouse lettering was repainted in gold – honoring its original gold-leaf finish. The cornices, capstones and balustrades were cleaned, repainted and coated with protective mineral finishes and the outdated flag poles were removed to align with historic preservation goals,” Hutchins said.
Windows and woodwork
“The existing windows were restored, and new historically accurate ones built to match. UV-protectant glass and original-style hardware were installed. Chicken-wire glass was added to the first floor for that classic look with modern safety. The first shipment of white oak trim has arrived, and sample doors are under review for historical accuracy,” Hutchins said.
Interior, systems and safety
“HVAC ductwork was installed on all three main floors – including a custom oval duct at the courtroom balcony. Copper water lines, sewer connections and rain drainage were upgraded to modern engineering standards. The electrical conduit rough-in was completed on floors one through three and the fire sprinkler system installation is officially underway,” Hutchins said.
Restoration and finishing touches
“Plaster repairs and paint stripping are complete on the interior walls and details. Work has begun on the arched ceiling in the courtroom – a dramatic original feature – and structural grouting is finished behind the elevator shaft. Scaffolding is down, the swing stage is coming down soon, and the roof phase is right around the corner,” Hutchins said.
“This isn’t just a renovation – it’s a revival of one of Polk County’s most treasured landmarks. Thank you to everyone cheering us on through every brick, beam and brushstroke. Stay tuned – we’ll keep sharing the journey as we bring this courthouse back to life,” Hutchins said.
Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state, with more than 240 still standing that are least 50 years old. About 80 were built before the turn of the 20th century. By the end of that century, most of these structures were significantly deteriorated due to inadequate maintenance, insensitive modifications or weather-related damage. The Texas Historical Commission documented the condition of 50 of the state’s oldest courthouses in the late 1990s and determined that counties lacked the resources to preserve the buildings for future generations.
Providing assistance to counties reached a critical point when Texas county courthouses were added to the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Places list in 1998. The state’s response was to create the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, the largest preservation grant program ever initiated by a state government. This nationally recognized preservation program has turned around the trend of disrepair and begun the process of restoring the state’s most treasured historic landmarks.
In 2012, Texas’ historic courthouses were again placed on the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list, stressing the significant amount of work still left to do in order to save these threatened structures.
In support of the projects completed with state grant funds, the Texas Historical Commission also created the Texas Courthouse Stewardship Program, which provides technical assistance and training to county staff on how to maintain their newly restored courthouse.
