County gets updates on Courthouse renovations; expected completion next June

SPECIAL TO THE STATE GAZETTE

County officials and staff gathered on Monday, September 9, to hear a progress report from TLM on the exterior and interior renovations to the Dyer County Courthouse. Under exterior renovation since early January, the prominent dome has been completely restored. The courthouse’s exterior steps, bricks, and entries are receiving a makeover as well. On the inside, rooms are being gutted or re-sectioned, and the courtrooms and offices will be receiving complete renovations, windows and windowsills, furniture and fixtures.

Attending were TLM Architectural Designer Christi Boone and TLM Representative Jerry Hartsfield; from MSB Construction, Steven Winegardner and Jeff Straka; from Garland, Lee Walker; Jessi Agee from Jessi Agee Designs; from Hunter Industrial, Gregory Hunter.

Dyer County Commissioners attending included Hunter Jackson, Bradley Gray, and Dob Johnson. Dyer County staff included Finance Director Amy Perkins, Chancery Court Clerk Cindy Rose, Administrative Assistant Beverly Ellington. Dyer County Circuit Court Clerk T.J. Jones attended, as did Bridgette Brown from the Circuit Court, Elizabeth Hastings from the General Sessions Court, and Dyer County Register of Deeds Danny Fowlkes.

TLM’s minutes from the meeting provided the following data:

Exterior renovation progress

The start date of the renovations having begun on January 8, 2024, TLM reported that the project is on schedule and that the completion of exterior work is projected for October 4, 2024.

Revisions to the costs include contingencies such as stair coating and work totaling $11,150, to be performed by MSB Construction upon approval. Other contingencies include a new scupper box and downspout on the northeast corner. TLM reported ongoing concrete work in the lower areas. High work is complete except for the metal band under coping at top—it needs to be painted. Porch ceilings are being restored. Old paint is being removed from all walls of the building, which are being cleaned up too. Additional patching of exterior columns is underway. The accessibility ramp has been pressure washed and is in the process of being painted.

Interior renovation progress

Interior renovations are also on schedule. Begun on June 6, 2024, the work is expected to be completed on June 5, 2025.

Exterior window delivery and installation have been delayed due to production. MSB

stated that windows are currently scheduled for Thursday, September 12, first floor

only. TLM is currently waiting pricing for millwork. The chancery courtroom exterior wall finishes have been demolished. Condition of existing wall is subpar. Will be requesting RFP to apply plaster to this area for best finish. Existing doors are being prepped and sanded and are ready to receive new stain. Existing Storefront entry doors are being primed and painted. Painting is completed on northeast / northwest rooms.

A tentative move date to begin second floor renovation is September 20. General Sessions is moving September 23 (all but courtroom). That court is expected to move in October.

Approved, pending, and rejected interior items/work: Requests for Proposals (RFP)

Millwork--$72,525, rejected, awaiting pricing, need approved millwork shop drawings.

Windowsills—turndown on the sills, $4,700, approved; add quarter round molding to sills, $2.750, not approved.

Additional doors and hardware, awaiting pricing from MSB

Door jambs, $21,010, rejected, awaiting pricing; need approved Millwork Shop Drawings

Doors, awaiting pricing from MSB

Plaster walls: 6A=$25,135,approved, in progress; 6B=$11,840, pending approval; 6C=$2,850 – need approval

Toilet 213, concrete floor repair, $610, approved

Chancery Clerk lobby – wainscot - $285 – need approval

Additional outlet/security, $2,195, need approval

New light fixture/lobby, $2,335, hold per TLM / waiting on Millwork and Door Pricing

Change orders: contract time adjusted for construction, needs mayor’s signature; 6A plaster (1st Floor) $25,135, in progress

Interior Renovations Schedule: 2024

Phase 1 north half of 1st floor)

Demolition, 10 May 6-18

HVAC rough-in--May 26-July 27

Electrical rough-in--May 20-August 9

Plumbing rough-in--May 20-August 9

Framing--July 1-12

Drywall—July 22-August 9

Plaster repairs—July 27-August 9

Windows—August 8-23

ACT, August 19-23

Flooring—August 5-23

Paint—August 12-23

Finish electrical—August 12-23

Finish HVAC, August 12-23

Finish plumbing—August 12-23

Cleaning—August 23-30

Trim/casework—October 7-25

Phase 2 (north half of 1st floor) 2024

Demolition—September 2-20

Plaster repairs—September 23-October 4

HVAC rough-in—September 16-October 25

Electrical rough in—September 16-October 25

Framing—September 23-October 11

Drywall—October 14-November 8

Windows—October 14-November 1

ACT--November 4-8

Paint--November 11-22

Flooring--November 25-December 13

Trim/casework--November 2-December 13

Finish electrical--November 25-December 6

Finish HVAC—December 16-27

Finish plumbing—December 16-27

Cleaning—December 30—January 3, 2025

Phase 3 (Second Floor), 2025

Demolition—January 6-24

Plaster repairs—January 20-31

HVAC rough‐in—January 20-February 28

Electrical rough‐in—January 20-February 28

Plumbing rough‐in—January 20-February 28

Framing—January 20-February 7

Drywall—February 10-March 7

Windows—February 10-March 14

Paint—March 3-21

ACT –March 17-28

Acoustic panels—March 31-April 4

Flooring—March 31-April 25

Trim/casework—April 14-May 5

Finish electrical—April 21-May 2

Finish HVAC—April 21-May 2

Finish plumbing—April 21-May 2

Cleaning—June 2-4