Douglas County receives Spring 2024 Preservation in Progress Award

May 9, 2024 4:35 pm


Douglas County has received a Spring 2024 Preservation in Progress Award from the Lawrence Preservation Alliance for its preservation work on the historic County Courthouse in downtown Lawrence. The award recognizes two projects that are underway: waterproofing of the foundation and renovation of the Commission chamber.

When the building was constructed in 1904, the waterproofing of stone foundations was not common practice; therefore, the building had endured significant water infiltration through the exterior foundation walls. The project, which began in fall 2023, will correct the wall permeability issues and prevent further stone foundation deterioration while improving conditions inside the basement level of the courthouse.

The renovation of the County Commission chamber began this spring. It includes fitting the room to accommodate five commissioners beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and repairing water damage that occurred in October 2022 from a fire sprinkler system flood. The goal of the project is to preserve the integrity of the room’s historic features while equipping it with modern technologies.

The Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., is listed on the national and state Register of Historic Places.


Related Links

Contact: Karrey Britt, Communications and Media Coordinator, Media Contact Form

In the News

The Board of County Commissioners will begin public hearings on the proposed 2026 budget at 9 a.… Read More

Starting July 14, North 900 Road will be closed between East 1050 Road and East 1100 Road for a… Read More

With Independence Day on the horizon, Douglas County is reminding residents of the rules for… Read More

Starting July 15, Route 460 will be closed two miles east of U.S. 59 Highway. Public Works crews… Read More

Douglas County Emergency Management encourages residents to stay weather aware and supplement… Read More

At 9 years old, Tim Shoulderblade took his first sip of beer. At 13, he started to use meth… Read More

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is proud to offer its first Junior Deputy Academy July 7-11… Read More

About 50 community members gathered on May 28 to celebrate Cardinal Housing Network, a new… Read More