Old Courthouse Clock Tower Project Completed

Yes, this might sound like part of the plot from "Back to the Future" where the clock was struck by lightning. It is part of Florence's historical restoration and the Pinal County Board of Supervisors are pleased with the work done on the clock tower of the Old Courthouse in Florence. Since November of '04, work has been performed on the interior and exterior of the clock tower structure, which was built in 1891. Pinal County Grants Coordinator Ernie Feliz said that work to shore up the clock tower structure began in September 2004 when a contractor was brought in to strengthen support braces. In December 2004, HH Construction in Mesa was hired to complete the repairs and restoration of the clock tower. In early January, HH Construction removed the windows from the clock tower and installed sheer braces to keep the structure from swaying in strong winds. In late July work to repair or replace the 1,200 shingles which cover the clock tower began. Out of 1,200 shingles removed, HH Construction was only able to save about 200 of them. Replacement shingles, which were exact replicas to the originals, were purchased from a company in Houston, Texas. "It was a shame to lose that many shingles," Feliz said, "but when you look at some of the originals you would see everything from rust damage to bullet holes in them." Work was completed on time in late November on the project at a cost of just under $270,000. Feliz said that almost $100,000 to complete the project came from a grant from the State Parks Historic Preservation Fund. Additional monies came from the Questers of Saddlebrooke and the Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation. With the clock tower work completed, Feliz is turning his attention to two important projects which could determine the future of the 1891 building. Pinal County Facilities Maintenance workers recently completed a project to replace the concrete walk to the entrance of the courthouse with brick pavers. The paver project is intended to raise money for future restoration projects by selling personalized bricks for $50.00. So far, Feliz says that 70 pavers have been sold. Feliz has also pointed out efforts to raise more money for what has become the number one priority when it comes to restoration of the Old Courthouse-a major roof repair. He says the survival of the building may be at stake when it comes to repairing the roof. Pointing out several flaws in the roof, where are several points in the roof are leaking. "Looking at the old courtroom," Feliz said, "we have a major structure issue. The water collects on a flat part roof, where it should be angled, then collects and leaks into the building. Inside the structure the trusses are bowed and failing. "Basically what we are going to have to do is raise the roof and get a slope back into it so the rain water will run off and not collect." Feliz also pointed out that the dormers (mini roofs over some windows) pose a particular problem in repairing the failing roof. Looking at the dormers, Feliz said, the seams between them and the roof are leaking. Also, on the south side of the Old Courthouse some of the brick work has been decaying over the decades the structure has been standing. "The bricks on the southwest side are eroding and many are discolored," says Feliz. "Some have actually dissolved over the years due to the water." While you may think that there are too many problems to solve with the Old Courthouse, Feliz feels quite the opposite. He sees this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to save a building that means so much to the County, Town of Florence and the State of Arizona. In fact, Feliz is lobbying those who have grant money to invest in this project. So far, the results have been very positive. In November, the Board of Supervisors was pleased to learn that the Federal Government will chip in to help the roof repairs by granting Pinal County $250,000. District 1 Congressman Rick Renzi announced that the money is part of $750,000 in new projects coming to the County. An additional $50,000 was added when the Arizona Office of Tourism announced that the Old Courthouse Roof Repair Project was selected to receive funding. The County will match the grants with nearly $200,000 added to the project. Even with this tremendous amount of support for the roof repairs, Feliz said he isn't done yet fighting for more grant money. "Our architect Jeff Swan estimates it will take over $600,000 to cover the roof repairs," Feliz said. Right now I am applying for a grant of $100,000 from the State Historic Preservation Fund. We need this money to seriously address the structural issues that have arisen over time." As he looks north toward the Old Courthouse Feliz said that he will be happy once the roof repairs are completed. "Hopefully with all this money we can figure out the leak problems and get ahead on the race against time to save this building."