The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has awarded a grant to Lynn County for a full restoration of its historic courthouse, located in Tahoka. The grant is part of the THC’s Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) Round IX funding announced at the agency’s quarterly meeting in Austin.
The THC received applications from 19 counties requesting $70.7 million for full restoration projects totaling $119.8 million. Lynn County is one of four counties awarded the full restoration grant. The THC awarded a partial matching construction grant for $4,878,857.
“Revitalization of Texas’ historic county courthouses makes a significant economic impact to their communities,” said THC Chairman John Nau, III. “They provide essential state services and serve as centerpieces of county history, culture, and tourism.”
The 1916 Lynn County Courthouse was designed by Amarillo architect William M. Rice in the Classical Revival style. The courthouse appearance was significantly altered in the subsequent years with numerous renovations. The project will restore the courthouse to its 1916 appearance. To complement the restoration, Lynn County negotiated with the Texas Department of Transportation to return a segment of the courthouse square, completing the county’s Re-square the Square campaign.
The project will include important modernizations to address problems including an outdated electrical system and safety hazards posed by water intrusion. Important improvements and upgrades will be made throughout the entire building for security, accessibility, and code compliance.
Texas courthouses have been a local symbol of strength, pride, progress, and democracy. However, many of the state’s 240-plus historic courthouses are now in disrepair due to inadequate funding for building care and maintenance.
Since its creation in 1999, the THCPP has partnered with local governments to fully restore 63 historic courthouses in Texas. In addition to providing safe and functional buildings, restoration of historic courthouses benefits the state and local economies. Courthouse preservation projects have created more than 10,000 jobs in Texas and generated more than $288 million in income. Restored courthouses reinvigorate historic downtowns and promote heritage tourism, a $7.3 billion industry in Texas.
For more information about the THCPP, visit thc.texas.gov/ or contact the THC’s Architecture Division at 512-463-6094.
(Press release from Texas Historical Commission)
