David Scott
Recently, representatives from Architexas – a well-known firm specializing in Architecture, Planning, and Historic Preservation, Inc. – conducted an extensive survey of the historic Coryell County Courthouse, meticulously noting every detail as they developed a comprehensive Master Plan for the structure. Their visit seeks to ensure that the courthouse, a vital piece of the county’s heritage, receives the attention and care it deserves.
In May of this year, the Coryell Commissioners Court undertook the important task of selecting a firm to spearhead the courthouse Master Plan. After careful consideration, they narrowed the field to the top three respondents: Architexas, O’Connell, and Komatsu. Interviews with each firm took place on June 6, with the Coryell County Historical Commission invited to be present for each session, underscoring the collaborative approach to such a significant project. During the Commissioner Court meeting held on June 11, Sherry Lawrence, a representative from the Coryell County Historical Commission, provided valuable insights and observations on the proposals made by each firm involved in this endeavor.
Danny Corbett, who serves as the Chairman of the Coryell County Historical Association, emphasized the significance of developing a courthouse Master Plan. “Having a courthouse Master Plan is imperative should the county seek grant funds from the Texas Historical Commission, whether it be a full restoration grant or even an emergency grant for things such as a leaky roof. The plan will provide a roadmap for maintenance and preservation of this historic resource in the future,” he elaborated, highlighting the potential financial implications tied to historical preservation efforts.
Judge Roger Miller took an active role in the discussion, encouraging Lawrence to share her assessment of the proposed firms. “After three very good presentations in this important endeavor, I really don’t think we could go wrong in the companies we were considering, but in my opinion, and that of Danny Corbett, who is our historical commission chairman, Architexas would probably be the best choice given their track record,” he stated. Miller pointed out that Architexas had already worked with two courthouses designed by notable architect Wesley Dodson and had successfully obtained an approved Master Plan for those projects.
Lawrence continued to praise Architexas, noting their proactive approach to fundraising possibilities for restoring the courthouse. “The other thing I was impressed with was that they [Architexas] seemed, just off the top of their heads, to come up with some outside funding possibilities for our courthouse restoration and repairs – some federal grants, TxDOT, universities, philanthropists, and they seemed to have those names at hand, better than the other two. Their presentation brought a lot of important things to light,” she highlighted, emphasizing the firm’s extensive knowledge of potential financial avenues.
After thorough deliberation, the commissioners unanimously voted to accept Architexas’s proposal to develop the Master Plan. On July 23, the commissioners officially approved the bid from Architexas at a budget of $65,000, setting the stage for this critical restoration project.
At the commissioners court meeting on August 13, Architexas representative Alexis McKinney presented a detailed project schedule for the Master Plan’s completion. She explained the advanced Matterport laser imaging technology being used to meticulously map every floor of the courthouse, which allows the team to gather precise measurements without the labor-intensive process of manual measurement. “It’s taking a point with 3-D imaging, and then it’s taking photos of the courthouse, and we’re able to use it to take measurements. It’s better than us spending a week measuring everything to get a floor plan. It gets us 75% of the way out there,” McKinney elaborated.
In addition to mapping, McKinney mentioned efforts to gather historic photographs that depict the courthouse’s evolution, both inside and out. She confirmed that their team is working collaboratively with the Texas State Historical Commission in Austin and the local Coryell County Historical Commission to ensure that their efforts are well-informed and historically accurate.
When discussing the laser scanning process throughout the courthouse, McKinney stressed its importance for creating an accurate floor plan. “We’re doing this to discover the current space layout so that we can get an accurate floor plan. This is step one – we need a floor plan,” she remarked, underscoring the significance of this initial phase.
In a recent email, McKinney shared that Architexas, along with structural and engineering teams, completed a comprehensive building assessment. This involved documenting the existing components of the courthouse, their condition, and recommended repairs for the future. She also mentioned utilizing drone technology to capture aerial footage of the roof, promising exciting visual updates in the form of a potential future YouTube link due to the immense file sizes involved.
“The architectural assessment will be ongoing as we didn’t make it to the third floor on this visit but will schedule a follow-up visit. Architexas also spoke with department heads to review current space needs for occupants, storage, and any known growth in the future,” McKinney noted, emphasizing the commitment to involving various stakeholders in the planning process. “From this ‘programming assessment,’ we will develop a proposed floor plan that allows for expected department growth. There are parts of the courthouse that are underutilized currently, and this programming exercise will try to re-activate them efficiently,” she added.
McKinney continued to provide insights into their findings, stating, “The team reviewed the condition of the cupola, attic framing, structural systems, and generally got a better understanding of changes to the courthouse over time. In general, it is in excellent condition with little damage to the cinder concrete used for the concrete floor systems. There is a moisture concern to the mortar in the basement that we will study further and make recommendations for correction.”
Architexas is renowned for its comprehensive approach to architecture, planning, and historic preservation, ensuring a deep understanding of the context within which they work. With every project they undertake, the firm aims to create tailored solutions that respect the past while addressing present needs and looking to the future.
Over the next several months, representatives from Architexas will continue to revisit the Coryell County Courthouse to further assess the structure and make informed recommendations on the necessary actions for restoring and enhancing this working courthouse.
The Architexas website encapsulates their vision: “Although our projects are realized with a profound respect for the past and a rational understanding of present needs, they ultimately look to the future by serving the individuals and communities that will experience them for generations to come.” In aligning with this principle, the Master Plan is anticipated to be finalized with the Texas Historical Commission in July of 2025, marking a significant step forward in preserving this treasured historical landmark.