Beaufort County courthouse under way

Crews are busy working on the new face of the Beaufort County courthouse. This project, approved back in April by Beaufort County Council, is under way and those coming to the courthouse will notice some changes. The biggest change will be walking into the main entrance. Anyone needing to come to the Beaufort County courthouse will park in the main parking lot and walk up the sidewalk between the courthouse and administration building. Once they reach the top of the sidewalk they will detour onto a driveway and walk around the construction. There are signs showing the way.
Ground broke last week on the $13,430,500 project. Construction will involve the removal of the existing exterior and replacing it with a new one. The existing roof will also be replaced along with the outside doors and windows. The entrance and back balcony will also look different when the project is complete. Both are being enclosed providing additional office space.
This multi-million dollar project is to fix water damage as a result of defective construction back in 1998. Monies received by the county from a lawsuit filed for that defective construction will go towards today’s renovations.
Fraser Construction of Bluffton is conducting the work. The renovation is expected to last roughly 15 months.