Johnson County Courthouse

Scope of Work

Exterior Assessment

Berggren Architects provided a complete exterior assessment and architectural services.

Location

Tecumseh, NE

History

Johnson County Courthouse, circa 1889

Designed by William Gray

Completion

This project is substantially complete.

The Challenge

Johnson County has been a reoccurring client since 1983. Most recently in 2023, Berggren Architects completed a sweeping exterior assessment of the Johnson County Courthouse to address a number of issues.

The courthouse experienced several issues. Water infiltration from roof drainage was an ongoing problem which led to damaged plaster and promoted mold growth. In addition, moisture intrusion at the foundation walls had been eroding the foundation stones. Brickwork, shingles, and decorative elements were all worn, damaged, and needing repair.

The Strategy

We provided a list of priorities to the commissioners that accounted for the total observed issues on the exterior. This included repointing, restoration of the dome and all accompanying details, reroofing, foundation and site drainage work, restoration of stone, brick, terracotta, and more.

The county chose to approach the project in phases, and in 2024 we began construction on Phase 1. Phase 1 includes those recommendations for the main roof gutters and all above exterior construction, including the main roof, central tower and corner domes.

The Results

The project is substantially. Work completed includes replacement of slate with synthetic slate roofing on the tower dome. Fiberglass windows and metal decorations have either been replaced or refinished for most of the tower.

The original red mortar has been slowly replaced over the years with modern white mortar. Through lab analysis we replicated the original composition of the historic mortar and matched its color to accurately restore the unique courthouse to its original look. Slate shingles have been replaced with synthetic slate which offers a longer lifespan in a hail-prone area such as Tecumseh. New copper has been installed, replacing the existing deteriorated composition shingles and membrane roof, returning the structure to a more historically accurate material.

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Our Process

We listen to you

We are preservation architects, let’s get together and talk about your project. Once we know your ideas, we can start your project in the right directions.

We involve you in the planning

Planning projects is what we do. We’ll work with you to develop the best way to implement your ideas. Our written documents are the road map which is essential to ensuring your expectations.

We make it happen

When you’re ready to implement your ideas, we’ll gather together the craftsmen and women necessary and bring your ideas to life. Architecture is in the details. We will follow your project through completion ensuring all the details meet your expectations.
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