(April 21, 2008) - When it was built back in the 1890s the historic Coryell County Courthouse was a jewel of architecture and the large district courtroom on the second and third floors was its crown.

"We're trying to return the district courtroom to its original 1980s appearance as possible while bringing it up to standard to federal rules," said Coryell County Judge John Firth.

Now, after a modern remodel in the 1980s, the classic old courtroom is being refurbished again but it's taking a step back in time.

The project began last week after a serious bit of lobbying over past years by 52nd District Judge Philip Zeigler.

Firth said the time was right because the courtroom was found to contain asbestos in old tile and in the glue that held the carpet down.

As well, he said, the room was not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act in that the jury box and witness box were not accessible to wheelchairs.

Those problems are being addressed in the remodel as well, Firth said.

The project will include new flooring for the main floor of the courtroom - wooden floor inside the railing near the judge's bench and carpet out in the gallery.

The original tile flooring was estimated to be about 50 years old and the carpet about 20 years old.

The gallery seats that used to be in the balcony area are to be moved to the first floor to replace the seats that were there. The balcony seating is thought to be original to the construction.

The current configuration allows for 180 seats. The new arrangement will have 110 seats on the main floor and will be supported by removable chairs when more seats are needed, Firth said.

"We know that there is only very rarely a need for more than 110 seats, but the stackable seating will allow for overflow when we need it," said Firth.

Firth said he is hoping to have the project finished by May 2. "That's when we expect Judge Zeigler to be back from Greece," Firth said. "It was convenient to have him out of town while all of this was going on."

Zeigler already has announced his retirement at the end of the year, opting not to run for re-election. The heir-apparent, assistant county attorney Trent Farrell - who is running unopposed for the bench - has been involved in the planning of the remodel as well, said Firth.

The entire project will cost less than $15,000 - funds that already were budgeted in the county's maintenance account. The cost is held down because county jail inmates are doing the work, save for the remediation of asbestos.

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