A multi-phase, comprehensive restoration project of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse’s roof and exterior began June 7, with the first phase working on the portion at the corner of Anacapa and Figueroa Streets, as much of the roof hasn’t been repaired since construction was initially completed in 1929.
“The project is designed to create a safe, weathertight roof and stable building, along with a durable roof assembly, all while retaining the building’s historic character,” a press release from the county stated. “The courthouse restoration project includes protection of existing materials, using as much existing tile as possible, and using similar materials.”
According to county project manager Diane Dodson Galt, construction costs for the first phase total to about $2.1 million, and this phase is expected to continue through early September.
She added that phases two through four — which involve the project working its way arround the entire courthouse building — will be priced closer to the commencement of each phase, and they will begin once funds are made available.
Each phase is expected to take approximately four to six months to complete, with the goal of having the entire project finished by the courthouse’s 100-year mark.
“The building turns 100 in six years, so I’m hoping we can have a fully watertight building by then,” Galt told Noozhawk. “And I think we will.”
In addition to restoring the roof, the project will also include major repairs to the exterior of the building, including the walls, balconies, wood windows and doors, skylights, cast stone elements, and the building’s drainage system, along with the entire building undergoing gutter cleaning.
With the courthouse designated a historic landmark, all work in the restoration project will employ the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Occupants inside the courthouse may be affected by noise, dust, and odors, but Galt said that the courthouse will remain open throughout all phases of the project.
While scaffolding is set up along the corner of the building that is currently being worked on, weddings, Fiesta, and other events are still taking place at the courthouse, and other activities are still happening in the Sunken Gardens.
— Noozhawk staff writer Serena Guentz can be reached at sguentz@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.