19 replies to this topic

[Tacoma]

There are barriers around the west end of the courthouse (the faux brick end). Is the renovation and removal starting soon?

[renamerusk]

There are barriers around the west end of the courthouse (the faux brick end). Is the renovation and removal starting soon?

 

Yes, your reference is in the existing thread:  County Plans to Demolish 2 Court Buildings/#103.

[Austin55]

Can't remember if there was another thread for this, but here's some progress. You can see some steps going in, some granite work around. 

[Austin55]

This appears to be coming along very well, looks like new. 

 

[claxton]

I noticed through the fencing yesterday as I drove by that there were quite a number of new green benches that I'm assuming will be installed all through the newly opened space.

[Austin55]

Scaffolding is all down now

 

[John T Roberts]

It's looking really good.  It's also going to be nice to have that little bit of extra green space around the building.

[Austin55]

The big fence was down last night after the fireworks, just a small green fence remains, but allows everyone to see in. The sidewalk along Houston has been greatly expanded and includes a pair of spots for handicapped vehicles/vans. A few trees planted. 

 

 

[Big Frog II]

Looks great!  Thank goodness that 50's monstrosity is no longer there.

[RD Milhollin]

S-T editorial extolling the restoration of the west facade of the Historic Tarrant County Courthouse:

 

http://www.star-tele...le41862180.html

[rriojas71]

Removibg the monstrosity and making restoring the western side and creating the parklike setting was a great start. Now all the needs to be done is to make Belknap & Wetherford streets more prdestrian safe and less car centric. They seem to form a barrier and almost cut off the courthouse from the rest of Downtown.

[Austin55]

Removibg the monstrosity and making restoring the western side and creating the parklike setting was a great start. Now all the needs to be done is to make Belknap & Wetherford streets more prdestrian safe and less car centric. They seem to form a barrier and almost cut off the courthouse from the rest of Downtown.

 

 

This is an issue for sure. There are a lot of students/faculty at the downtown TCC campuses,  and frequently we'd avoid walking to Sundance or anywhere downtown because crossing these two streets would be such a pain. There are other reasons to (many students didn't feel comfortable walking near the jails, many of the buildings on the way are not to pleasant of difficult to walk around like the Worthington superblock, lack of affordable options)

[dangr.dave]

Today, I noticed that on the green lawn where the old Civil Courts building used to be there is a wooden pedestal and a wooden "cut-out" of a statue.  I would imagine that this is showing a proposed statue that will occupy the location soon and I'm sure that I'm supposed to know who the statue represents.  Does anyone know any of the details on this one?

[Austin55]

No pictures? That sounds interesting. 

[JBB]

I saw it yesterday when I was driving by on Belknap. No idea who it was and didn't have time to get a picture.

[David_H]

Here's the "cut-out". I confess, I don't know who it is.

 

[Austin55]

I walked by tonight and got some pics to. I don't recognize h either. No writing on it.

I also noticed the courthouse has new flood lights. They are LED now. They are much less warm and noisy than the old lights.

[dangr.dave]

I think it is supposed to be General Edward H. Tarrant.  I found something online where Arthur Weinman Architects submitted a conceptual plan for a General Tarrant statue and four other memorials to be placed on the west lawn of the courthouse.

 

http://courtbook.tar...16070905952.PDF

[Austin55]

It looks like the west lawn will be home to Law Enforcement memorial.

 

[johnfwd]

What a dignified and respectful tribute!

 

Incidentally, the Fort Worth police have vacated the Thomas R. Windham Building on West Belknap.  I was in there the other day and was informed that the sheriff's department and probation office have taken over.  JP5 court and constable's office are still there, however.