The Bexar County Courthouse, a landmark with roots extending back to the 19th century, is poised for a facelift. County leaders have set in motion a $7 million refurbishment plan targeting the building's exterior, a necessary measure to preserve a significant piece of Texas history.
According to San Antonio Report, the age-old courthouse situated at 100 Dolorosa St. has served continuously for 128 years. Slated for renovation is the façade that includes the Pecos red sandstone, which will undergo stone replacement and repairs, as well as terra-cotta replacement and mortar repointing.
Chosen from a competitive field of seven, the architecture firm Ford Powell & Carson (FPC) will spearhead the initial phase of this expansive project, awarded at $3.7 million. Their agenda encapsulates comprehensive design and construction plans, extending from document preparation to overseeing the subsequent construction phase. "It is estimated that part of the project will take about three years," Dan Curry, department director for facilities management at the county, told San Antonio Report.
The entire project is expected to span a seven-year period with an estimated total cost of $7.2 million. Currently serving various judicial functions including the district courts and the Bexar County Clerk’s office, as well as hosting the Bexar Heritage Center, the courthouse is a precious relic listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Bexar County Courthouse has seen upgrades in past years, with the last series of improvements dating back to 2016 focused on maintaining its historic west facade. Earlier, in 1999, the courthouse underwent a stabilization and groundwater mitigation project to address foundational concerns. Adjacent to the courthouse, the Cadena Reeves Justice Center stands as a more modern counterpart, marking its completion date in 1988. The county isn't a stranger to undertaking architectural revamps; in 2022, it laid out a strategy to revitalize the aging Bexar County Annex building for an additional expense estimated at $8 million, thus ensuring continued functionality and service to the public, as detailed by San Antonio Report.
