Courthouse and Old Jail Renovations Wrapping Up

The renovations to the Starke County Courthouse and former jail building in downtown Knox are on schedule and under budget.

Contractors will clean the exterior of both buildings this week with an organic solution to brighten the brick and stone. However the clock tower on the courthouse will be done later this year because a heavy boom lift will be required.

Interior work at both buildings is wrapping up, and various departments are in the process of moving into their new space. The probation department moved into the former jail last week, and the prosecutor’s office will move into the courthouse soon.

A public open house is scheduled Tuesday, April 18 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall will offer remarks during a program on the courthouse lawn, and tours of both buildings will be offered.

Commissioner Kathy Norem wants taxpayers to see how the county is spending money and says the open house will be the only opportunity to see areas that will eventually have restricted access.

The courthouse will have one point of entry once the renovations are finished. Metal detectors will be installed, and uniformed officers will be stationed there as well.