Manitowoc County Courthouse hosts tour pending renovation funding decisions, March 11, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — An Advisory Committee is discussing renovations and funding options for a historic site in the City of Manitowoc.
“Well, I think it’s exciting,” said Tyler Martell, the County Board Chair.
A tour at the Manitowoc County Courthouse put updates and deficiencies on display for board members in the long-standing building on Saturday.
“It’s desperately needed,” added Martell.
The courthouse has continued to be updated periodically since its founding in 1906, ever-evolving on the inside of the original building shell.
Martell points out that the courthouse is on the Manitowoc County seal.
“Past county boards and county executives have looked at this and said this is a building that is worth preserving, this is part of our identity as a county,” said Martell.
The dome, marble fixtures, and staircases are some of the original features still inside the building.
Updates to the HVAC system, dome fixes, and a brand new fourth courtroom addition can be expected.
Many of the 135 windows will be renovated and restored back to their original frames from the smaller windows installed in the 70s.
“You also have people that are concerned about the price tag…and so then we hear those concerns as well that, ‘now’s not the right time. Can we do it in a different way so that way it’s less expensive,” added Martell.
Renovations are currently set to be paid for by either adding a sales tax or increasing property taxes.
Board members say there are not any updates on funding decisions.
“My main concern is that we need to do this in a financially responsible way, but we also need to preserve this building,” said Martell.
Courthouse architects plan to continue to renovate and restore the courthouse so that it may remain part of the National Registry of Historic Places.
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