County updated on Courthouse Preservation Program submission

By Linda Perkins

Anvil Herald Reporter

During the regular meeting of Medina County Commissioners Court Monday, April 6, Walter Wills with McKinstry presented the 95-percent design plan for the Texas Historical Commission Courthouse Preservation Submission for the Medina County Courthouse.

In discussing where the process stands, he said the goal was not only to go over what needs repairs to create a safe environment, but also to talk about stewardship to meet Texas Historical Commission (THC) requirements for design and scope.

The McKinstry team had conversed many times with THC since the timeline to apply for restoration began with a Master Plan in 2023.

In February 2026, with only a few weeks remaining to present THC with the “show ready” design, McKinstry received the 1939 courthouse original architectural drawings.

These had been held offsite for years, previously unknown to the design team or the County, who had no access to them. 

“We had asked for them many times,” said Wills.

During cleaning of an offsite storage place, the drawings were found.

“We were so excited about the discovery of these drawings, because they revealed actual features we had only presumed were architectural features about the courtroom orientation, outside spatial features and configurations,” Wills said.

  After viewing the previously unidentified features, Wills said the team took the drawings to THC. They were critical to align documented design with history instead of providing assumptions.

“It makes us feel really good going in to apply for the grant with documented evidence and not assumptions only. It just strengthens the project and restoration accuracy.

Tight Timeline

“We are on a very tight timeline,” Wills said. “This is April 6, and we do have show-ready status. 

“We did ask for an extension; THC denied it. However, they did allow for some narratives for design details since there was no time to get them into the plan, and we did give them a floor plan.”

Wills noted that since the design plan had changed, it also necessitated changes to HVAC, electrical and lighting systems.

Wills said the team will return to commissioners court April 20 to go over the full design plan before submitting the application for the grant on May 8. He said that some time in July THC will provide the award notice.

Findings in 1939 Floor Plan 

A review of the 1939 courthouse floor plan revealed a need for a number revisions:

• The floor plan in the courtroom was rotated 180 degrees from the present design.

• Outside were full balconies and colonnades on the north and south entrances (3 colonnades on each side of a balcony). In a picture provided by THC, the colonnades on the south side are visible, as was the original slate roof which will be restored.

• These changes were documented and will be addressed in the design.

• The masonry work is limestone. Wills said they are trying to locate the original quarry. If they cannot, they will seek another from which they can match the limestone. If that does not work, THC is exploring another option amenable to them.

“We have really been digging in to make sure we comply with THC,” Wills said.

On all floors and on the courthouse grounds, every revision must be meticulously carried out to comply with THC requirements.

If the project grant is approved, Wills said the project will likely take 18 to 24 months.

“We have to make sure we have the appropriate time, detail and care to complete the project,” he said. 

“It requires a very specialized labor force for very intricate work, and they are usually in high demand. They have to be meticulous in tearing out the old to restore with the new.”