Introduction
October 5, 2004 (Dallas) - Old Red Courthouse entered the final phase of its restoration to public life today when Dallas County Commissioners approved construction on Phase 2, the finish out of the interior in preparation for installation of the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture.
Construction
Construction is expected to last 500 days, at a cost of under $10-million, nearly half provided by the Old Red Foundation, a non-profit corporation established in 1997 to create the museum and manage the use of the renovated building for public and civic events.
Chairman David Biegler said, "Dallas County's history shows that important advances involve public and private interests acting in concert and this is a great example of achievement through such partnership. The devotion and resources the landmark building receives from the community is matched by the support County officials have shown for its restoration." Mr. Biegler, involved with the project for more than a decade, is delighted by today's action by the Commissioners Court. "Old Red will resume its important place in this community, perhaps the most important role it has ever fulfilled, and today the Court ensured that will be achieved soon."
Phase 1
Phase 1, the structural renovation, began in spring 2001 with exploratory demolition, followed by hazardous material abatement and the restoration of exterior stonework and interior walls and arches to their original condition. Ceilings and floors were restructured and load tested. The last stage of Phase 1, ending last spring, actually began the finish out process through the installation of new window frames and glass to match the original 1890 style.
Phase 2
Phase 2, the finish out, involves restoring all interior features: walls to be wainscoted and plastered; floors to be surfaced; and ceilings restored to their original look, replete with crown and panel molding. A new mechanical infrastructure will be installed, providing HVAC, power, telephone and data services to all reaches of the 70,000 square feet interior.
Challenges
Dallas County Judge Margaret Keliher said, "I'm delighted that this project is moving ahead. The restoration of Old Red to its 19th Century condition and style will return it to its proper status as the jewel in the crown of Dallas. It will be particularly exciting to see the clock tower back in place as it was in the 1890s, which has already been approved as the next phase of the project. This joint project of Dallas County, the Old Red Foundation, and the State of Texas gives us an outstanding building for all of Dallas County to enjoy."
From the outside, the greatest change will be in the restoration of the Old Red Clock Tower, removed in 1919. Although a "Phase 3" renovation, funding from the State of Texas and Texas Historical Commission will allow its construction coincident with Phase 2. Reinstalling the Grand Staircase will make the most dramatic change for visitors entering the Romanesque-style building. The staircase did more than access the four levels of the building: it was a grand architectural feature, the center of attention, from which speeches would be given and announcements made.
James Pratt is the project's chief architect, whose work on restoring Old Red spans three decades.
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