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COLUMBIA — Residents of Boone County might be wondering what’s up with the expansion of the Boone County Courthouse. The $7.2 million expansion of the annex, under construction since October, is still going as planned. The Missourian talked with construction manager Dave Peterson of SM Wilson and Boone County Southern Commissioner Karen Miller to get up to speed on the project’s progress.
Q Is the project on schedule?
A The addition of two stories and 24,000 square feet was originally set to take about 14 months to complete. Peterson said the project, which began in October, is still projected to be finished at the end of December. He said the minor weather delays his construction crews have encountered were expected.
No major changes have been made to construction plans since the project’s original announcement, and Miller said she foresees no future problems. “We have been really pleased with all the construction so far,” she said.
Q What’s been done so far, and what’s next?
A “The structural steel is completed, and the concrete is all poured,” Peterson said. He said the crews are beginning to work on making the building watertight and are almost ready to put the roof on.
Q Have there been any disruptions at the courthouse?
A Proceedings at the courthouse have continued as scheduled, and Miller said everyone in the building is coping well with the construction.
“It’s been good working with people in the courthouse to spend the tax dollars the best way we can for the county,” Miller said.
Q Are any further street closings planned?
A No, Miller said.
Q Why is the county expanding the courthouse anyway?
A The project began to fulfill the space needs of the offices of Boone County’s prosecuting attorney and circuit clerk and to add space for court services and administrators.
Q Where’s the money coming from?
A The expansion is funded by a one-fifth-cent sales tax approved by Boone County voters in 2006. That tax will next pay for a remodeling of the Boone County public defender’s office at the county-owned Johnson Building.
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