Courthouse construction continues
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BELLEFONTE -- The Centre County Courthouse underwent major improvements beginning in 2023 and the more than $2.1 million construction project on the historic building will likely conclude in November 2024.
According to Kendra Miknis, the District Court administrator of Centre County, "The Centre County Courthouse is one of the oldest courthouses, still performing judicial operations, in Pennsylvania."
Miknis added that the courthouse was originally built in 1805, with significant renovations in 1835, 1855, and 1909. In 1963-64 an addition was added to the back of the historic courthouse.
According to the Centre County Historic file:///Users/lts01/Downloads/New-Courthouse-1024×678.jpg al Society, the courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places and is located within the Bellefonte National Historic District.
Miknis shared that the courthouse required major reconstruction due to the structural integrity of the walls which were more than 100 years old.
"In 2024, a significant restoration and repair project was completed involving the retaining walls on both sides of the courthouse. The courthouse is now undergoing an extensive exterior restoration project that includes the sealing of windows and doors, refinishing of the front doors, repairs to the front granite steps, and overall painting of the exterior of the courthouse," Miknis said.
Miknis said that this reconstruction was necessary because the courthouse suffered many leaks from the old windows and worn portions of the building.
The improvement project blocked off the East High Street roadway for many months to work on the retaining walls of the courthouse. East High Street, the portion of the road that spans the courthouse, remains closed as of October 2024.
This restoration project will keep the property functioning for decades to come for the many workers and individuals who utilize the Centre County Courthouse every day.
Many cosmetic upgrades were also made to the courthouse to display the building's historic past and create a more visually pleasing interior.
"In 2023, significant cosmetic improvements were started to the interior. The once gray and bare hallways have been repainted. And, historic court documents and photographs have been added to the walls. Currently, the flooring in the 1963-64 portion of the courthouse is being replaced and will complement the original marble flooring in the historic section of the courthouse," Miknis said.
These improvements benefit Centre County as a whole for all those who pass through the courthouse each day to try cases, acquire important documents/licenses, work, and more.