Courthouse window project set to begin

Scaffolding is going up along the north side of Marion County Courthouse this week as $679,503 in work to restore windows in the historic structure begins.

The project, expected to last six months, will include removal of hazardous asbestos caulking and lead paint.

Workers from the winning bidder, Re-View of Kansas City, will start by removing storm windows, then the windows themselves, replacing them with temporary coverings.

While the windows are being repaired and refinished off-site, abatement specialists in protective suits will remove asbestos caulking outside the building and use a chemical stripping agent to remove lead paint on window frames.

A few windows are expected to require interior abatement. Barriers will be established between hazardous materials and people working or conducting business inside.

After framers are repainted and windows replaced, the process will continue on the east, south, and west sides of the building, in order.

New commercial-grade storm windows then will be installed.

During construction, a gravel parking area east of the courthouse will be used for staging. Additional parking for those with disabilities has been added to the south lot at the courthouse.

In a news release, county clerk Tina Spencer said all entrances and exits should remain accessible. Workers will consult with county personnel in an attempt to minimize disruption, at times working before or after business hours or on weekends.

“When the project is complete, we should have high quality, fully operational windows!” Spencer wrote.

Worried that some existing windows were in danger of falling out of their frames, county commissioners approved the project June 27.

After it is complete, the county hopes to recover a quarter of the costs by selling tax credits available because the building is included on historic registries.

Questions or concerns about the work should be addressed to the clerk’s office at (620) 382-2185.