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Look for scaffolding on courthouse dome next spring

2 min read
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In what officials are calling a major construction project, Washington County commissioners are poised to seek bids to restore the courthouse dome and replace terra cotta roof tiles.

“We would like to make an award, say, by the end of November of this year,” said Randy Vankirk, county director of purchasing. “Have the low bidder get that on their schedule and hit the ground running in the spring.

“We know what we need up there. It’s just a matter of putting all the specs together.”

The county has had contractors come in to do what Vankirk called “patchwork” over the years.

In 2008, the four, badly deteriorated corner terra cotta domes that had been erected in 1900 were replaced by molded fiberglass replicas based on the dome that was most intact.

The terra cotta and curved brick was deemed by two firms to be beyond repair, and the replacements cost $158,100.

Some stopgap work was done this year, but the county is looking at resurfacing and sealing the dome, which those visiting the interior of the courthouse see as ornate stained glass.

The county plans to enter into a contract with Florida Consulting to develop specifications for the dome repairs and tile replacement at a total cost of $69,000. Extra services, if needed, could be $1,000 for asbestos remediation specifications and $500 for additional site visits.

Vankirk said Richard Florida recently sold his company, but he and his wife, Chris, remain on the staff. They have worked as the county’s consultant on the courthouse for decades.

The project, which is expected to exceed $1 million, will be paid for from Pennsylvania Act 13 funds from fracked natural gas wells.

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