Built from 1890-1892, the Gage County Courthouse is an exceptional example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. In 2005, Berggren Architects began a Master Plan, formalizing a strategy for the continued use of the Courthouse, by interviewing the building occupants and analyzing their spatial needs. In 2008, the Master Plan was put into effect as the first series of projects from the Master Plan began.

Construction began with the replacement of the deteriorated roof with historically accurate green slate shingles. Soon to follow was the installation of an energy-efficient ground source heat pump system. New electrical, data and communications, and security systems, as well a fire sprinkler and alarm system were incorporated into the existing infrastructure. Light quality in the building was improved with not only new historically sensitive lighting fixture, but also with new thermal glazed windows. A new elevator eased the accessibility of the upper floors. Both the County and District Court Rooms were restored to their original state when the drop ceilings were removed to reveal original oak coffered ceilings. Various woodworking had to be done throughout the courtrooms to recreate the historical look.

Hamilton County was a participant in the Berggren Architects/Nebraska Energy Office Courthouse Trail projects. A new heating and air conditioning system was installed under that program. Since this project, Berggren Architects have been retained to design an elevator installation in the historic 1895 courthouse. This elevator is housed inside the courthouse without any exterior evidence of its existence. Other projects at the courthouse include installation of a new power assisted door at grade level entrance to meet ADA Requirements; renovation of the District Judge’s Suite of Offices, Jury Room and two second floor ADA Restrooms. In all of these spaces the suspended ceilings were removed to expose the original plaster ceilings and the upper portion of the historic round topped windows. Paint colors were chosen to be sympathetic to the historic colors and the original stenciling was replicated in the Jury Room. Our most recent project with this courthouse is returning the roof surface back to it’s historic black slate and copper details. Renovation of the tower windows was included to take advantage of the scaffold set in place for the re-roof project.

Fillmore County Courthouse

The decision to restore the Fillmore County Courthouse was a result of a Master Plan completed by Berggren Architects, which was an analysis of the needs of Fillmore County. Years of insensitive alterations had taken their toll. Original windows were closed with bricks or glass blocks. Original entrances were “modernized” with aluminum storefronts. Algae and lichen covered limestone and mortar and shingles deteriorated at the hands of Mother Nature. There were many security deficiencies because the Jail had been located within the structure of the Courthouse and needed renovation to bring it up to standards.

The exterior limestone and mortar has been cleaned and repaired. Craftsmad fashioned replica metal work for the dormer gables. New windows replicating the original 1892 design replaced the insensitive glass block and aluminum store front. On the interior, plaster walls and metal ceilings were restored to original appearance, a new service counter was designed to comply with ADA Standards, and period lighting was installed.

The proposed floor plan created for the promotion of the Bond Issue illustrates a well defined and manageable “Secure Perimeter”, a clear separation of the public and those incarcerated, a “Sally Port” for controlled access by law enforcement responsible for moving detainees in and out of the Jail and a “Dispatch/Jail Control Center” that has direct visual observation of inmates. This 9 bed facilities is a model frequently cited by the Jail Standards Division for unusually small Jails.

We are proud to say this project was awarded the 2002 Preservation Honors Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Berggren Architects has been the architect for the Antelope County Courthouse since they began working with them on the Courthouse Trail Project in the 1980’s.  Following the energy improvements made on the recommendations of the Courthouse Trail, Antelope County again called on Berggren Architects to design a new addition connecting the original 1894 courthouse to the 1966 annex.  The new link provided accessible restrooms, a new stair, and an elevator. Currently, a third major phase of work is being done on the original courthouse.  This phase includes masonry and structural repairs to the brick walls and to the wood rafters in the attic.  This work has been broken down into phases that are spread out of a number of years to meet the County’s budget constraints.  The roof will also be replaced in the upcoming years.

The Valley County Courthouse proudly stands in the center of Ord, Nebraska.  Berggren Architects was hired to provide architectural services to bring the building up to code, increase the accessibility of the building and to restore portions of the historic building fabric.  The building is currently being updated in three major phases.  The first phase was to construct an exterior stair on the building for a second means of egress.  The second phase added a new elevator, fire sprinklers, and a new fire alarm system.  The third phase being completed is to restore the terra cotta and brickwork on the exterior of the building.

The elevator for the courthouse was installed within the footprint of the existing building.  This elevator serves the three public floors of the building.  The installation of this elevator is not visible from the exterior of the building.  Doors and marble trim were salvaged and reinstalled within the building where necessary to preserve as much of the building’s historic fabric as possible.  Where new materials were required, materials sympathetic to the existing building were specified.

Fire sprinkler lines and fire alarms were also installed to be as inconspicuous as possible.  The old smoke alarm system was removed from public areas to bring spaces back to a more historic appearance.  Many of the corridors had decorative scored plaster walls.  Where openings were moved, new plaster was installed to match the historic scored pattern.

Read More About the Gage County Courthouse Restoration

Founder & Principal

Jerry Berggren, AIA is the founder and Principal-in-Charge of Berggren Architects. He graduated in 1971 from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree and spent a year and half working in Kansas City improving neighborhoods and business districts for the Urban Renewal Agency. In 1973, he returned to his native Nebraska and joined a Lincoln based architectural firm. In 1977 he began private practice under his own name.

Berggren’s love of history and historic architecture has pointed him in the direction of historic preservation.  He has participated in preserving numerous structures around Nebraska and often consults on historic projects in other states.  Since the mid 1980’s he has participated in the American Institute of Architect’s (AIA) Historic Resources Committee and severed as its Chair in 1996.  His support of historic preservation has included serving on the Lincoln-Lancaster County’s Historic Preservation Commission for nearly 20 years.

Berggren’s reputation with existing buildings made him an obvious recruit for former Governor Ben Nelson to serve on the Nebraska Energy Council.  The work of the Council was organized and managed by the Nebraska Energy Office with whom he has maintained a lifelong relationship. He served with representatives of the Energy Office and the Nebraska State Historic Society to create the 2001 publication: “Energy Efficiency and Historic Preservation, A Planning Guide for Buildings.”

Through many years of working with historic county courthouse, Berggren has developed a sense of respect for the complexities of their courts, sheriff’s offices, emergency response facilities and of course the places of incarnation – jails.  He has been a member of the AIA’s Academy of Architecture for Justice for many years and is current with trends in security, communication, and separate circulation systems for the occupants of those spaces.

Project Manager

Wim brings experience to the team. Experience in terms of years in the field of architecture, and in diversity of project involvement. Wim has an Associate of Architectural Technology degree from Southeast Community College, Milford Campus. He graduated in 1983 and spent the next two years working for contractors in Lincoln as a framer and general laborer. After gaining valuable first-hand knowledge of the field workings of a construction site, Wim started a career in architecture. In the 28 years that followed, Wim has been involved in projects ranging from residential additions to retirement communities, health care facilities, and all forms of justice facilities.

Wim’s interest in history is a perfect fit into the Berggren team of historical preservation and restoration. His exposure via extensive world travel has gained him an appreciation for historic as well as ultra modern architecture.