The commissioners for several years have talked about the need to replace the plaza’s deteriorating decorative paver bricks and small steps, both which raise concerns as trip hazards.
Any project would include the removal of the pavers and steps in favor of a safer surface and new lighting to replace outdated and at times criticized lighting, the commissioners have agreed. They’ve also discussed the possible need to move forward with work for safety reasons even if state funding doesn’t come through in the next biennial budget.
The commissioners earlier this year agreed to pay Garmann-Miller Architects and Engineers $80,000 for a project study and $40,000 for a preliminary design phase. The company arranged for preliminary studies of the 1970s plaza, lighting, drainage problems, fountains and underground tunnels between the buildings.
Options for the plaza were outlined by Kathy Trejo of Garmann-Miller. The three options ranged from a minimal project to a middle price of $2.85 million to a “pie in the sky” $3.273 million concept that Trejo said would “give the plaza a lot of spunk.”
In search of lighting fixtures to help reflect the historic courthouse, city of Troy lighting on the Adams Street Bridge and the Public Square was an example of the “direction” the commission might want to go, Trejo said. She described the fixtures as a type of “acorn” lighting.
She and fellow consultant Chris Monnin said a combination plan could be developed through picking and choosing from various elements proposed such as new fountains using stones from the old county jail, additional trees, color lighting for the courthouse and relocated walkways to better direct people to building entrances. Among other options was more encouraging use of gathering spaces such as the courthouse steps and adding heated pavement in the area between the two buildings.
“You guys can chew on it for awhile, and we’ll wait to hear,” Monnin said.
Commissioner Greg Simmons said he liked the proposals’ built-in flexibility and the attempts to incorporate history in elements such as reusing the jail stones and paver bricks and including historical details in wayfinding signs.
Commissioner Jack Evans said he liked the look provided by additional trees but noted the added maintenance they would require.
A possible new location for the county police memorial closer to the sheriff’s office in the Safety Building was shown in options, but commissioners indicated they favored the current site next to the courthouse.
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