Facts

Location  |  Karnes City TX 

Year Completed  |  2018

Type of Project  |  Historic Restoration; Interior Renovation

Services Performed  |  Full Architectural Services; THC Courthouse Grant Prep

Contractor  |  MJ Boyle General Contractors

Photos  |  Alfredo Mora

Thoughts

The Karnes County Courthouse Restoration project represents the culmination of a ten plus year effort to return a small Texas County’s beloved courthouse back to its original 1894 glory. The project was spearheaded by the unwavering support of the local historical society and the County government.

One of the primary goals for the project, other than fully restoring the building, was to ensure the project would have a positive impact on the local community. Our first opportunity came during the programming phase where we worked with the County to establish a building committee of public and private officials to oversee the design and construction of the project. Maximizing the building’s daily activity and community use became the primary emphasis in determining which departments would occupy the building after construction.

The during the 1960's, the building went through a "modernization" phase where the architectural style of the building was altered from its original masonry Romanesque-Revival style to more of a Spanish Colonial style. Phase one of the project involved removing two later additions to the west side of the building and fully restore that side of the building as a template for future phases of work. The second phase involved stabilizing the foundation of the building and the third phase included removing the clay tile roof in favor of a more appropriate slate tile roof. The fourth and final phase included the remaining comprehensive restoration of the building, which included the reconstruction of the original clocktower as it appeared in the historical photographs.  The new tower restores the building’s landmark status that can be seen from miles away and its hourly chimes are a welcome addition to daily activities within the city.

Awards

The Conservation Society of San Antonio | 2020 Historic Preservation Award

Institute of Classical Architecture & Art | 2019 John Staub Award

Preservation Texas | 2019 Honor Award

Texas Downtown Association | 2018 Best Restoration Design Award

San Antonio Masonry Contractors Association  |  2018 First Place Restoration Award

Video