Sutton County Courthouse

1891
Sonora, Texas
National Register of Historic Places, Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, State Archeological Landmark
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The 1891 Sutton County Courthouse was designed in a Second Empire style by prominent Texas architect Oscar Ruffini of San Angelo. A multitude of changes over the years had left the building in poor condition: roof and gutters were leaking, damaging interior finishes, water was seeping into the basement, windows were deteriorated, and the courthouse did not comply with current building and accessibility codes. Volz & Associates, Inc. prepared a master plan for the restoration of the courthouse which enabled Sutton County to receive two substantial grants for restoration from the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. Using surviving physical evidence, historic photographs, and other sources, Volz & Associates, Inc. provided architectural services for the multi-phased restoration of the building. As a result of the extensive interior and exterior restoration, the building's indelible charm remains for future generations.
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Key Issues:

Masonry restoration and cleaning
Structural repairs to roof and floor framing
Historic window and door restoration
Life safety and accessibility improvements
Reconstruction of original details, including roof dormers, cresting and interior stenciling

“All firms can draw a nice set of plans. But with most, that’s the end of it. Most don’t see it through or explain to the client what they need… I have worked with a lot of architects, but never with a firm that has accepted responsibility and carried through like Volz & Associates. That’s saying a lot!” – Judge Carla Garner