A New Era For Dade’s Historic Courthouse Begins
Photo by Lydia Berglar – The ribbon cutting of the Dade County Historic Courthouse and Museum on April 16 drew quite a crowd (more than shown in this photo). Guests enjoyed walking through every corner of the building.
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
Photo by Lydia Berglar – The Dade County Historical Society’s room in the courthouse features artifacts, documents, and photos showcasing local history.
When walking through the restored historic courthouse, the building feels fresh and sparkling yet authentic and weighty. A bright future begins for the 99-year old building, but the history of the structure is also preserved.
Both the length of time to complete the project and the expense were heavily discussed among locals, with some firmly standing by the landmark and others wishing it would be torn down. It took about ten years for the restoration to be completed, and it cost nearly $2 million dollars.
The courthouse’s significance in the community goes beyond historical dates and architecture: Ask just about anyone who grew up here, and they’ll have fond memories of the landmark, like getting married there or working in one of the offices or the days of “square squatting.”
As Don Townsend (county executive) said during the April 16 ribbon cutting ceremony, “This reopening not only honors the past but also looks boldly toward the future—preserving the architectural legacy while creating new opportunities for community engagement. This building is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a reflection of our shared history and enduring community spirit. We’re honored to celebrate its rebirth and continued role in the heart of our county.”
Photo by Lydia Berglar – Cornerstone Gallery and Gifts inside the courthouse sells local art, crafts, gifts, and t-shirts.
The courthouse was built in 1926 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It was designed by Polish immigrant George Szymanski and built by Barrett Construction Company. (See the April 16 Sentinel’s Historical Society column for more interesting details about Szymanski and the courthouse.)
On Nov. 15, 2010, it was closed due to disrepair and sat there until Ted Rumley (former county executive) formed the Dade County Historic Preservation Commission in March of 2015 made up of people who value the building and local history.
The restoration project began, but progress was slow and minimal, so in 2019, the Dade County Board of Commissioners voted to restore the building under the county’s oversight. The board worked with the Historic Preservation Commission and the Dade County Historical Society.
Work began again in earnest in 2022 when the county hired Blevins Construction Management (BCM) to see the project through. The county commission is proud to report that most of the restoration work was completed by Dade County companies.
Photo by Lydia Berglar – The old courtroom on the top floor now serves as an event space, available for the public to rent. The chandeliers and views of both mountains are particularly striking elements of the room.
The county administration did not want to use property taxes for the project, so Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) paid for the bulk of the project, along with some American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, grants, and donations. One example: The windows were sponsored through local donations, thanks to the fundraising work of the Historic Preservation Commission.
When Rumley spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony, he explained that people did not want property taxes to be used for the project. “You wouldn’t believe the people that want to just tear this building down and just straighten Highway 11 up…Then, when people found out we [were using SPLOST], they come at me because it didn’t matter; SPLOST was tax money, tax money is tax money. But look what a building we got.”
Townsend and Rumley thanked the countless people who worked on the project, and after the ribbon cutting, General Bob Woods (American Legion Commander) led Scout America’s Troop 29, Troop 1029, and Pack 3229 in the flag raising ceremony.
The Sentinel submitted an Open Records Request to the county, asking for the initial budget at the beginning of the courthouse restoration project, but there were no documents showing this budget.
The Sentinel also asked for the total spent on the restoration project. Before BCM was hired, $311,571.91 was spent, and as of April 17, the total paid to BCM was $1,634,721.29. Some final work has/is still being completed, but the total so far is $1,946,293.20.
Per the April county commission meeting, $1,831,843 of that total came from SPLOST ($172,076 from the 2015 SPLOST and $1,659,767 from the 2021 SPLOST).
Whether you were for, against, or indifferent toward this project, it’s well worth taking a look at the interior of this iconic Dade County structure. The courthouse is open to the public Monday-Saturday (excluding major holidays). Hours are 10-5 M-Th, 10-6 F, and 10-2 Sat.
Photo by Lydia Berglar – Details like the chandeliers, light fixtures, fireplaces, and nooks and crannies throughout the courthouse are worth paying attention to.
Photo by Lydia Berglar – The stars and stripes fly outside the courthouse’s top floor windows.
Photo by Lydia Berglar – During the reopening ceremony, guests socialized and checked out the offices and rooms on the main floor of the courthouse.
