Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein

Decatur County Courthouse

Bainbridge, Georgia

Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein Architects, Inc. was selected to perform architectural services for a comprehensive renovation of the historic Decatur County Courthouse site: the 1902 courthouse, the 1930s jail building (now office and storage spaces), and the 1977 jail which has been vacant since the construction of an off-site jail.

The original courthouse was constructed in 1902. A 1930s addition which originally housed the county jail was converted to office and storage functions. In the 1970s, the lower level of the 1930s addition was converted to the sheriff's department and a new jail wing was constructed. Recently, the sheriff's department and all county jail functions have been relocated off-site, leaving the 1970s addition completely vacant.

The first priority of this project was to maintain the historic integrity of the courthouse and to restore the original finishes which was designed by noted Georgia architect Alexander Blair. Other program objectives included improving security (especially in the judges' chambers), centralizing records storage, reusing space that is currently vacant, and creating a secondary courtroom. The original balcony in the main courtroom was re-opened and the ceiling, which was lowered in the 1970s, was returned to its full height.

The project also included the addition of a new elevator/stair tower and lobby, meeting ADA requirements and updating all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Client: Decatur County Board of Commissioners

Completion: 1999

Award:
   Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Award of Excellence in Rehabilitation, 2000

All Images © Gabriel Benzur Photography