A new state advisory commission provided timely technical advice to Jefferson County officials soon after a major fire damaged the historic county courthouse in Madison. Engineer Fritz Herget of ARSEE Engineers, Fishers, and architect Ron Ross of Martin-Riley Architects and Engineers of Fort Wayne, both visited Madison soon after the May 20 fire and analyzed the damage to the structure and architectural features of the 1855 building.
Both Herget and Ross are members of the Indiana Courthouse Preservation Advisory Commission, which was established by state statute in 2008 to provide assistance to county officials as they make decisions on how to rehabilitate and preserve the more than 80 historic county courthouses across the state. The members were appointed by Gov. Mitch Daniels and Chief Justice Randall Shepard of the Indiana Supreme Court. Shepard serves as chairperson of the Commission.
Herget's report to the Jefferson County Commissioners noted that the dome and remaining roof structure, as well as the upper portion of the exterior walls, were unstable and needed to be stabilized or removed. Fire damage below the third floor had been limited by a concrete and steel floor inserted in the 1960s.
Photos illustrated the features of concern from varied angles. Ross's report, based on personal observation and discussions with John Staicer, executive director of Historic Madison, Inc., pointed to the deterioration of some of the plaster details in the third story due to exposure and the potential of some plaster ceilings to fail. He also provided photos illustrating plaster damage and architectural details in the lower stories that could be salvaged or conserved. Both Herget and Ross provided the Commissioners with preliminary recommendations on how to approach rehabilitation of specific details of the building.
"The Commission's help in assessing the damage and recommending next steps was much appreciated," said Julie Berry, president of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners. "Fritz's and Ron's advice has assisted us in deciding on what to do next."
Staicer said, "The new Indiana Courthouse Preservation Commission has been a great aid to all of us in Jefferson County."
Marsh Davis, president of Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and a member of the Commission, said, "The assistance provided by Fritz and Ron illustrates the helpful role we are hoping the Commission can offer the owners of the state's magnificent courthouses."
Shepard said that the Commission is developing its work plan for assisting counties with historic courthouses and welcomes requests for advice from county officials.
Counties can contact Frank Hurdis, Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, with requests (fhurdis@dnr.IN.gov).
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