JOHNSTOWN — The second and final phase of the Fulton County Office Building’s extensive renovation project — on the Family Court side — has basically wound down.
County Planning Director Scott Henze recently told the Board of Supervisors’ Public Works Committee that all concrete work for phase two on the North William Street side is completed. Sod was installed, he said. The project mainly involved a new handicapped entrance for Family Court.
“Everything looks very good,” Henze said.
The second half of the project involves refurbishing the Family Court front entrance side, and the existing handicap ramp. Walkways and landscaping around the Family Court area were also improved.
Henze told supervisors his office processed a payment reimbursement request of $333,205 related to the overall $500,000 County Office Building renovation project.
Phase II work was started on April 15, and courts had to use the County Office Building’s side entrance during this spring’s project.
The first phase of the $500,000 project was done in 2018. That phase involved the West Main Street front entrance of the County Office Building, with a new handicapped walkway, sidewalks and historic trail. The contractor for the entire project has been R&B Construction of Amsterdam.
Henze also reported on another planned project for that area involving the historic Fulton County Courthouse. He said the county previously received a $100,000 State and Municipal Facilities Program Grant, secured by former state Assemblyman Marc Butler. Funds will be used to undertake exterior renovations to the courthouse, which was opened in 1772 and is still operational.
Potential renovations include repainting all woodwork, replacing damaged wood, repointing brick mortar, cleaning, and related work.
Henze said the county received clearance from the state Historic Preservation Office to do the proposed project. He said his office is coordinating with Stephen Reilly of Architecture & Preservation LLP to review and discuss the scope of work.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at [email protected]
