Carefully selected building materials and architectural details help the addition ( left-hand side of the photo ) blend into the original structure . Representatives from Lincoln County , Ayres Associates , and the 9th Judicial District worked closely with the Wisconsin Historical Society before beginning the addition and remodeling project .
“ Working within the framework of a historical structure is tricky , but it was not going to be an option to say ‘ no .’ The only option would have been to build a new structure ,” she said . “ There was a strong sentiment for maintaining the historic building .”
The Wisconsin Historical Society had the ultimate authority on how the building could be updated . Ayres Associates , Byrnes , and the County worked closely with Society representatives , going through each potential solution to the space and security concerns and then negotiating each design option .
“ We looked at dozens of options , including having two additions to provide access to the two courtrooms ,” Brown said . “ More acceptable was having one addition and remodeling the interior so the one addition could serve two courtrooms .”
Details of each option were presented for Wisconsin Historical Society review , with accompanying documentation of need . After more than a year of discussions , final plans took form , Simon said . “ Such detail and negotiation are challenging ,” he said . “ It was , nevertheless , a great experience for our Building Committee and its experts and staff , and in the end I think we all appreciated all facets of historical renovation even more .”
The final plans resulted in an addition to the west side of the building – what Byrnes calls a “ vertical hallway ” – to house a new jury room , mechanical room , elevator , and sally port , a secure entrance for law enforcement and their detainees . The addition mirrors the exterior of the historic building , said Ayres Associates architectural intern Steve Hoecherl , who worked side-by-side with Brown throughout the three building projects .
“ We included features such as the arches and architectural detailing to help the addition blend in with the exterior of the original building . We worked with the general contractor and their masons to find products that tied in with the original brick and stonework ,” he said , commending Ellis Stone Construction Company ’ s efforts throughout the project , “ and we ended up with products that worked very well .”
The interior remodeling involved even more care to
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