Colorado County Courthouse
- Building Forensics
- Grant Writing Assistance
- Master Planning
- Material Conservation
- Measured Drawings (CAD)
- Public Building
- Restoration/Rehabilitation
- Systems Integration
1891, 1910
Columbus, Texas
National Register of Historic Places, Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, State Archeological Landmark
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Key Issues
• Emergency stabilization and repair of failed ornamental plaster ceiling
• Project phasing
• Roof, cornice and copper dome restoration
• Exterior restoration
• Interior restoration
• Upgrade electrical system
• Window and masonry restoration
• Accessibility improvements to entries and courtrooms
• Grant funding assistance for multiple project phases
“VA was there when we needed them. They are bright, hardworking, intense, and knowledgeable.”
– Judge Al Jamison, retired Colorado County Judge
Courthouse architect Eugene Heiner designed the original Italianate courthouse in 1891. The building was constructed of locally made brick and capped with a tall central clock tower. In 1909 a hurricane ripped through the county, destroying the tower and much of the original roof form. The County repaired the damage, reconstructing the roof in the newer Classical Revival style without the tower. Instead, the new design included a beautiful central stained glass dome in the District Courtroom.
Volz & Associates was selected as restoration architect after a large section of the courtroom ceiling collapsed without warning in 2007. Since then, we have provided master planning that has allowed the county to receive Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation grants and we have provided complete architectural services for multiple construction phases for the restoration this unique Texas landmark.