Robertson County Courthouse to Undergo Extensive Roof and Interior Upgrades
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Mayor Billy Vogle of Robertson County, Tennessee, has announced that the courthouse will undergo major renovations and a new roof installation due to extensive damage. The current roof, 19 years old with multiple layers, has been heavily damaged by recent storms, necessitating its replacement. The courthouse will be closed starting September 16 for this project, which will include extensive interior renovations. Offices will be temporarily relocated to the Robertson County Plaza to facilitate these changes. The roof replacement is expected to be completed by December 16, and renovations should wrap up by the end of May 2025, with a brief pause for a trial in March 2025.
Mayor Billy Vogle…
We have to put a new roof on the courthouse; it’s not an option anymore. The roof is 19 years old and has suffered water damage through the years, but the most recent storms we had in the spring caused too much damage to the interior. This is not an easy project; there are basically three roofs that have been laid on top of each other over the years, and all must be removed before adding the new roof. It’s a mess, but thankfully our insurance is handling it.
The sheriff, who is responsible for the security of the courthouse, decided that with all the work required for the roof, the building would need to be shut down completely to employees and the public due to safety concerns. Since we must close and move employees and the courts out of the building, we decided to move forward with requested renovations to the inside.
I was asked to give up my space in the courthouse for the court system, so the county mayor’s office is now in the building across from the county office building—the Robertson County Plaza located at 502 8th Ave. E.. MAP The county engineer’s office, Veterans Services, and 911 Addressing are all in the Plaza.
With those offices moved out of the office building, it freed up space to move the courts and court offices to the county office building temporarily while we add the roof and renovations at the courthouse.
Now keep in mind the roof needs to be completed before winter really hits, and the renovations depend upon many factors, including getting materials that ensure we stay as close as possible to being historically correct while expanding to meet the needs of our citizens.
Tentative timeline of courthouse roof/renovations project:
- Courthouse closes Sept. 16 to begin roof/renovation project
- The roof replacement project is scheduled to be fully completed by Monday, December 16.
- The courthouse renovations project scope of work includes, but is not limited to:
- Repair failing plaster and drywall throughout the building and paint needed areas.
- Incorporate the existing judge’s restroom into the existing jury room, providing two restrooms for jury use.
- Turn an existing empty room into a judge’s office with a restroom.
- The existing Chancery Court office area will be renovated into a new jury room with two restrooms and a break area.
- Install a new permanent jury box in the 2nd-floor courtroom.
- There could be, at most, 30 calendar days of overlap in the roof project and the renovations project, but most likely the renovations project will start immediately after the completion of the roof.
- We are planning to temporarily stop the renovations project for a two-to-four-week period beginning in March 2025 for a trial that must be held, halting any work at the building until the trial is finished. It is our goal to have all the renovations completed by the end of May 2025.
Some attorneys have expressed concerns…
The Robertson County Bar Association acknowledges the ongoing efforts to repair and remediate the Historic Robertson County Courthouse, recognizing that these repairs, expected to be completed by December 31, 2024, are crucial before any remodeling can begin. The Association, comprised of local legal professionals, supports deferring any remodeling until after a thorough study of judicial needs is conducted to ensure efficient use of courthouse resources. The goal is to minimize disruptions to the administration of justice and address access, space, and security needs effectively. CLICK HERE For the FULL resolution.
Impact on Local Businesses Around Springfield Square…
Since most courthouse activities are relocating just across Memorial Boulevard, the overall impact on nearby businesses is expected to be minimal. However, foot traffic around the courthouse could be affected. Restaurants located directly on the courthouse square might experience the most significant impact due to changes in foot traffic. However, with extensive renovations both inside and outside the courthouse, the presence of roofers and construction workers could balance out or even increase foot traffic around the courthouse, potentially benefiting nearby businesses.
Top photo captured during the 2007 courthouse renovations: Jim Ball of Smokey Barn News is seen working on the clock faces as part of a complete rebuild of the clock mechanism. The project included installing new parts, hands, and a fresh paint job for each clock face. MORE
