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Jacksonville nears move into historic courthouse Comment By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 31, 2016 at 5:04 PM Updated Mar 31, 2016 at 5:47 PM By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 31, 2016 at 5:04 PM Updated Mar 31, 2016 at 5:47 PM » Social News Custom-made, 8-foot-tall doors are one of the small items holding up Jacksonville's move into the 1883 Jackson County Courthouse. “I am impatient. We have been held up by things we have no control over, like how long it takes to build doors,” said Mayor Paul Becker. “Now we have to find the people to put them in, and the contractors are all so busy.” The tall doors will maintain the historical character of the courthouse, which was given to the city by Jackson County in 2012. Since that time, the city has proceeded slowly, studying how to use the building, then allocating funds for work on a step-by-step basis to ensure that costs don't outstrip resources. All city administrative departments except for police and fire will move into the ground floor when the renovation is completed. City Administrator Jeff Alvis said late April or May occupancy is likely. Jacksonville is financing the $1 million project with urban renewal funds and money from the sale of land in the watershed. Restoration costs have remained within budget. “Jeff acted as the general contractor. That saved a lot of money,” said Becker. “We’re close. It’s just little things." Installation of flooring and completion of plumbing and some mechanical work remains, in addition to the doors. Most of the painting has been done. City crews have performed much of the inside work, led by Tom Glover, city building maintenance supervisor. A new heating system got its first test Tuesday, and it had the building heated to 67 degrees Wednesday morning, said Alvis. No decision has been made on use of the unfinished second floor space that once housed the county courtroom. An elevator will have to be installed before the floor can be used. Elevator costs are estimated at $180,000. Suggestions for the second floor have ranged from a performing arts venue to leasing it to businesses. “We’ll start getting some ... ideas during the summer once it opens up,” Becker said. Miller House, the current home of most city offices, may be put up for sale. Information on an appraisal will be given to the council at its April 18 meeting. The house can be used for commercial purposes only because of zoning. Becker said consultation with three brokers suggested the property may be worth around $400,000. “My hope is that council will (sell) the Miller House and use some of the money to finish the courthouse process,” said Alvis. The city’s Planning Department, now in the Hanley Building behind the courthouse, will make the move, and the Hanley Building may be rented out, said Alvis. Relocation of the police department into the former county jail space next to the courthouse was suggested, but it has not been pursued. The space, also formerly the Southern Oregon Historical Society Children's Museum, is now leased to Art Presence. The police department is located in the Hinger House, immediately south of the Miller House. “We need more lead time to figure that one out,” said Becker. “The best course of action is to leave them where they are. It’s working fine, and let’s address that at a later date.” Becker said he would like to hold an open house May 27 to show off the new City Hall space if the offices are occupied. City Council meetings will remain at the Old City Hall, 205 W. Main St. Tony Boom is an Ashland freelance writer, Reach him at [email protected]. By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 31, 2016 at 5:04 PM Updated Mar 31, 2016 at 5:47 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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