Demolition on portions of the factory is nearly complete. This included the removal of the corrugated metal siding that will be reinstalled towards the completion of the project. The north shed of the factory was removed and pieces of wood were salvaged to be reused where applicable. In addition, the spray foam roof has been removed. A new, temporary roof has been installed to protect the factory elements until the new roof can be constructed.

New construction began with the pouring of new footings for columns, as well as a new foundation for an addition and new wall on the west side of the building. New stud frame walls are being constructed along the west façade to provide support for the new rood and provide space for adequate insulation for the factory.

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.