Courthouse receives new roof

The Coryell County Courthouse recently underwent a slight facelift with the installation of a new roof.

It was reported that the shingles on the structure had not been replaced since the mid-1980s during the $1-million dollar restoration of the building that was authorized by the commissioners and the state historical commission.

Since that time, some 30-plus years later, the roof of the courthouse had deteriorated to the point that, during heavy rains, a great amount of water was leaking through and causing damage. County Commissioner Ryan Basham described the roof as being in “bad shape.” That fact was confirmed by courthouse senior maintenance technician Todd Pierce who said a great portion of the leakage was centered around the courthouse dome, which had last been patched about four years ago.

Basham said that before the roof could be re-shingled, approval had to be obtained from the Texas State Historical Commission in Austin because the structure was under protection and listed as a State Antiquities Landmark as well as being listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977. According to Basham, the Texas Historical Commission granted its approval to have the roof replaced a little over 10 days prior and work on the roof began soon afterward.

Running M Roofing company’s bid was accepted and re-roofing of the building began last week and was completed within two days. Brian Riddle, with Running M Roofing, said that replacing the flashing on the roof would take longer than the actual shingling since that process was more time consuming. “The actual shingling goes pretty fast,” Riddle said. He also reported that approximately 210 bundles of shingles were used to replace the rooftop.

Riddle said that none of the credit belonged to him, but to the 11 workers who were perched high atop on the roof who were doing the treacherous work. Riddle also commented that this was the oldest building he had ever worked on – soon to be 125 years-old this year.

Built between 1897 and 1898, the structure was the county’s third courthouse. Built by architect Wesley Clark Dodson, the building has been described as an Italian Renaissance Revival style building. Red sandstone Corinthian columns support white sandstone pediments, with the five-pointed star of Texas inset in contrasting carved stone.

In 1986, the million dollar restoration process began on the courthouse and was completed two years later. Replacing the eagle perched atop the building and two statues that had been missing from the roof for many years were included in the restoration process. During that time, an elevator and a new handicap entrance were also installed.

The county judge, county commissioners and the Coryell County Historical Commission are making preparations for the 125^th anniversary of the courthouse this summer. Tentative plans for the occasion will include having games, live music, and a county-wide celebration on the courthouse lawn to mark the completion of the courthouse construction in 1898.