Madison County Courthouse Project Nears Completion

By Aziza Jackson

WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. — The Madison County Courthouse renovation and addition project in Wampsville, N.Y., reached a milestone on April 1 as a bronze statue of Lady Justice was lifted into place on the dome of the 110-year-old structure.

Originally built in 1909, the courthouse has had three different Lady Justice statues atop its dome over the years.  A fiberglass version was removed for the current renovation, as the dome roof was replaced with handmade copper shingles last summer.  The new 13-foot, five-inch Lady Justice is a replica of the original 1909 zinc sculpture that had graced the dome until 1934.

“Watching the new Lady Justice statue being set atop the renovated courthouse this week, you can’t help but feel like you’re witnessing a significant moment in history for this county,” said Senior Project Manager Laird Updyke.  “We are helping to improve and preserve a historic building, but moments like setting this statue are only possible thanks to years of planning and hard work by a team of people.  This strong project team is working together to complete this meaningful project for the people of Madison County by their grand opening ceremony on Memorial Day weekend.”

LeChase is CM agent for the $18 million courthouse project and expects to finish remaining work over the next several weeks.  In addition to Laird, the project team includes Assistant Project Manager Don Banks, Project Administrator Tammy Seward, Project Executive Bill Connor and Regional Operations Manager Paul Klinko.

The grand opening ceremony for the restored courthouse is set for Saturday, May 25; guided historical tours of the restored courthouse will also be given throughout the day.

Madison County Supreme and County Court Clerk’s office will be moving into the courthouse (Building #3), on the second floor, during the week of June 3rd. The new entrance for the building will be located between the courthouse and the County Office building.