The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Rededication event for courthouse shows off new renovations
Citizens of Lorain County gathered for the rededication of the newly renovated Lorain County Courthouse.
The June 23 event featured everything from free hot dogs, music, tours, and the official ribbon cutting of the courthouse.
“The county really wanted to bring everyone down to see the reveal of the renovated building as well as have some fun,” said Mike Challender, sustainability coordinator for Lorain County who was one of the tour guides for the event. “It has really been beautifully redone, and the county wanted to bring everyone to downtown Elyria, at 308 Second St., to see the finished product. We have some music being played, free food and activities for the kids. We will also have ceremonies at the WWII, Workers and Lorain County Enforcement and Fire-EMS Memorials. It will be a really great night for everyone.”
Karen Davis, facilities director for the county, said everything involving the renovation has gone wonderfully.
“The building was originally built in 1881 and the county invested $200,000 into that project,” she said. The county has just invested an additional $6.2 million to keep it going for at least
another 30 to 40 years. The county should be very proud of being able to keep such a great, historical landmark. It reminds of where we have been and shows us where we need to go.”
Lorain County Commissioner Ted Kalo said the rededication of the courthouse is unbelievable.
“The building is 140 years old and is still standing because of the commitment of the great people of this county,” he said. “We had to consider whether we were going to mothball, renovate or demolish the building. I’m glad it was decided to keep the building, and
there is a lot of excitement today because of it.”
Kalo said the courthouse was renovated with probation in mind.
“Adult probation was moved to East Broad Street during the 14 months of renovations, but it was important to have plenty of probation space at the courthouse,” he said. “This makes it more convenient having the Lorain County Courthouse, Justice Center and Administration Building next to each other. The convenience of it was a big reason to keep the building going and I’m glad everything has turned out so well.”
Kalo said more changes were done to the new courthouse than people might think.
“Handicap accessibility has been addressed in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards,” he said. “There is a new lift in the south entrance for people in wheelchairs, it is much better than the older system. The third floor has more room now that can be expanded for future use. The amount of people on probation will increase over time, so I’m glad the new building will be able to accommodate that.”