County hears underground idea

Bowling Green architect James Bell said keep the 1884 courthouse and go underground for a new solution. Bell presented his plan to the Seneca County commissioners Monday.

"As a registered architect and a native of Seneca County, the courthouse debate has obviously caught my attention," Bell said during the regular board session. Bell lives in Bowling Green.

"And I believe you as the board of commissioners have exercised due diligence in pursuing funding for renovation of the historic courthouse," Bell said. "I also believe there are viable, fundable alternatives to demolition that will both meet the county's space needs and in the process please the largest number of possible residents."

Bell's proposal, first introduced at a recent meeting of the Tiffin Architectural Board of Review, calls for a sub-grade addition at the west side of the 1884 courthouse. The new construction would be placed underground with a likely above-ground entrance at the corner of Washington and Market streets. A stairway and elevator would provide access into the lower level of the 1884 courthouse. Pedestrians would walk through the lower level of the vacant courthouse to gain access to the current annex.

Bell said the Texas State Capitol has a sub-grade addition to provide added space. The U.S. Capitol also has a sub-grade addition, Bell said.

The statue of William Gibson likely would be moved to the north, to the center of the property and beside the Washington Street sidewalk, to accommodate the proposed entrance.

Phase one of Bell's plan calls for the replacement of the dome on the 1884 courthouse, replacement of windows in the vacant courthouse, rebuilding courthouse steps and work in the central hallway in the lower level of the courthouse. The current elevator in the 1884 courthouse would remain in place until future courthouse renovation work.

Bell said the work in this phase could be paid for with $2 million from the state of Ohio added to about $546,000 that formerly was pledged by the Tiffin Historic Trust to replace the dome. No local tax dollars would be needed if those funding sources were reality, Bell said.

The new construction of the sub-grade addition could be built for about $4.4 million of county funds, Bell said.

A future phase two of renovation to the 1884 courthouse could be accomplished for about $5 million, Bell said.

"Future phase two courthouse renovation would complete the preservation process and return the courthouse to full use for county administration as county space needs continue to grow," Bell said in the conclusion to his presentation to the commissioners.

Bell's plan is to be discussed Thursday when the commissioners meet again with the Tiffin Architectural Board of Review.

In a related matter, Commissioner Mike Bridinger asked Commissioner Ben Nutter to share information about conversations he participated in since the last board meeting Thursday.

Nutter said he was called by Gov. Ted Strickland's chief of staff John Haseley Thursday afternoon. Haseley asked Nutter about the offer from the county to the city of Tiffin for the possible purchase of the courthouse by the city. Haseley asked Nutter if the $500,000 purchase price was the main obstacle for the city to buy the building. Nutter said he explained the city and Mayor Jim Boroff had expressed other reasons why the city was not interested.

Nutter said he gave Haseley contact information to speak directly to Boroff. Nutter called Boroff after speaking with Haseley and said he spoke personally with Boroff again over the weekend.

Bridinger asked whether Haseley named a specific amount of money the state is offering to the city. Nutter said no specific amount was mentioned.