New York State Courthouse Project Receives Award

By CN Staff

MADISON COUNTY, N.Y.—The Madison County Renovation project in Madison County, New York was awarded the 2019 Pat Earle Award by the Preservation Association of Central New York (PACNY) in late October at the May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society in Syracuse.

The award is presented to an outstanding historic preservation project that benefits the community. Earlier this year, Madison County celebrated the completed renovation of its 110-year-old courthouse that took more than year.

“Madison County is honored to be the recipient of this year’s Pat Earle Award,” said Madison County Chairman John M. Becker in a press release.

“We appreciate PACNY recognizing the dedication of our staff, supervisors and construction crews to keep the history and craftsmanship of the Courthouse. This building is part of our history, and we wanted to create a building that the people of Madison County would be proud of. We believe we have done just that.”

The $18-million project included a 20,000 square foot renovation. Two additions were designed to enhance the building’s Americans With Disabilities Act accessibility. According to an article in Eagle News Online, the new layout provides enhanced accessibility through the addition of two elevators, ramps in each courtroom, ADA-compliant custom door hardware, and a single-story ADA accessible entrance to the courthouse and county office building.

The project brought this century-old courthouse into the 21st century. Much effort was exerted to maintain the unique character and historic value of the James Riely Gordon-designed building. Attention was given to the preservation of the building’s original Italian marble floors, painted walls, stained glass windows, iron handrails, and woodwork — including the unique decorative tulips featured throughout the rotunda.

“I think the stained-glass window restoration was amazing,” said Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz. “Sullivan Studios did wonderful work.”