The Starke County Commissioners recently approved a contract with DLZ to move forward with plans to remodel the third floor of the Starke County Courthouse.
County Attorney Marty Lucas noted that the company doesn’t provide a lot of support during the construction phase of the plans, but will move forward with the design phase of the project.
In a joint session of the Starke County Council and Commissioners in August, John Kirk from DLZ went through the proposed list of updates that was compiled by Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall which included new carpet, lighting, sound system, technology, jury seating, gallery seating, attorney seating, new draperies, new entry doors and additional security cameras in the large courtroom. Updates to the jury room and the small courtroom were also proposed as well as the bathrooms on the third floor. Floor coverings would be installed where needed and some painting work is recommended.
The renovation estimate was projected at $400,000, but Kirk said the items were listed on the high side in terms of cost.
Officials are working to finalize the list which will help determine a closer estimate and the next steps in the design phase.
