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A large, second-floor space in the 1883 county courthouse — now Jacksonville City Hall — may become accessible if a new plan for elevators is affordable. Lack of an elevator to the second floor, a requirement of ADA regulations, has prevented use of the space since the city moved into the renovated budding in July 2016. Bids to construct a single outside elevator came in at least $40,000 over estimates. City officials are hoping a new elevator arrangement may prove less costly. The town’s Historical and Architectural Review Commission had previously approved designs for an outside, three-stop elevator on the rear of the building, a requirement for modification to the exterior of historic structures. On Dec. 19, HARC will consider new exterior modifications as part of a two-elevator setup. “HARC had approved it, but it wasn’t cost-effective at the time,” said City Administrator Jeff Alvis. “We went a different route. We looked at a lot of ideas. The inside elevator seems to be the best way to go.” If approved and built, the new arrangement would result in less change to the building exterior. Joelle Harris of ZCS Engineering in Klamath Falls is architect for the proposed arrangement. Also included would be an outside staircase required for use in emergencies, in addition to an 1883 dual stairway inside the main entrance. Previous plans called for one elevator attached to the rear of the building. The structure requires stops on the ground level, first floor and second floor. An elevator currently can take visitors from ground level to the first floor but it requires an operator. Under the new scheme both elevators would be self-operated. One outside would go from ground level to the first floor, while a second inside would take visitors to the second floor. The second-floor space measures 41-by-68 feet and is 14 feet high, the same height as the first floor. Restrooms would also be installed on the second floor. Larger public hearings and meetings by the city and other government agencies might be accommodated in the space, said Mayor Paul Becker. He thinks it also might host music performances by smaller groups. “One big room is how I see it. It would be an ideal space for weddings, private parties, meetings,” said Becker. Uses for the space would be determined by City Council. Public sentiment and his own feelings are that City Council meetings should remain at Old City Hall, their traditional home, said Becker. Theatrical productions, once suggested, would be unlikely if the interior elevator is built, said Becker. Additional space would be required for the setup, possibly eliminating space for dressing rooms. City administrative offices moved into the building in July 2016 after a renovation project that cost about $105,000 less than the $979,000 the city borrowed. That amount did not include elevator costs. The city borrowed the money from the town’s urban renewal agency and will repay the loan with tax increment receipts. Funds are in the city budget for elevator expenses, Alvis said. A 2016 estimate for installation of a single elevator was $250,000. General contractor L.S.P. Marshall completed the courthouse on time and under budget in the 19th century. Marshall is credited with personally constructing the curved double stairway at the main entrance that leads to the second-floor courtroom. In 1927 the courthouse was the scene of a trial for the three DeAutremont brothers, who in 1923 robbed a train in the Siskiyou Mountains and killed four railroad employees. Billed as the West’s last great train robbery trial, it was the last trial held before the court moved to Medford. A “prisoners walk” stairway that led from the first floor to the second floor was left in place during the remodel but was glassed-in so it is visible but not usable. In most instances original materials in the building were restored, although much of the flooring was replaced to match original flooring found in one space, Alvis said. Reach Ashland freelance writer Tony Boom at [email protected] .