Project Spotlight: Historic Mitchell County Courthouse Undergoes Restoration

A major exterior restoration project completed in 2021 is helping preserve one of Mitchell County's most recognizable landmarks while protecting its historic character for future generations.

Mitchell County utilized the State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program for an exterior restoration project on its courthouse in 2021. (Photo courtesy of Doug McKinney.)

Preserving a Historic Landmark

Construction of the Mitchell County Courthouse was completed in 1901 at a cost of $38,310. More than a century later, an exterior restoration project focused on repairing and restoring deteriorating mortar joints was completed in July 2021 at a cost of just over $147,000.

"Some people have lived in the county all their lives and do not remember a cleaning as thorough as what was recently done," said Tom Claussen, Chair of the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners. "I guess you could say it was due—but that is not bad for 100-plus years."

Claussen became interested in restoring the courthouse shortly after taking office in 2010. Through frequent visits to the building, he noticed the deteriorating condition of the mortar.

"You could stick your hand in cracks in some places and it was pretty unsightly when you got closer to the building," Claussen said.

Finding the Right Funding Solution

Mitchell County initially applied twice for grant funding through the Kansas Historical Society Heritage Trust Fund Program, but both applications were unsuccessful.

Instead, the county utilized the State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program to help complete the project.

The Kansas State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit provides a credit equal to 25% of qualifying rehabilitation expenses for eligible historic structures. Because the Mitchell County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 23, 1977, it qualified for the program.

Restoring History with Care

Stone restoration was the primary focus of the project. Every effort was made to preserve the courthouse's historic integrity, including:

• Repairing deteriorated mortar joints

• Using period-correct mortar mixtures

• Matching the building's original trowel design

Mid-Continental Restoration Co., Inc., of Fort Scott, Kansas, completed the rehabilitation work. The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) assisted with the project application and administration.

"The contractors were wonderful people to work with and they did a great job," Claussen said. "Working with NCRPC helped make the process a lot easier too."

Supporting Future Preservation

Because Mitchell County is a local government and does not have a Kansas state income tax liability, the tax credits generated through the project may be transferred or sold to other taxpayers.

Community response to the completed restoration has been overwhelmingly positive.

"We have had a lot of positive comments about the project," Claussen said. "People are proud of their courthouse wherever they are from because that is where they go to conduct business. We are especially proud of our courthouse and the work that was done."

The courthouse has also seen several other improvements in recent years, including:

• Replacement of courthouse windows

• Restoration of the courthouse tower clock

• Gutter lining to improve drainage

• Installation of split-duct heating and cooling systems

• Roof replacement following a damaging hailstorm in 2015

Repaving the courthouse parking lot is planned as a future improvement project.

To learn more about the State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program, visit the Kansas Historical Society.