Commissioners approve IFB for asbestos abatement and demolition of 1914 courthouse; artifacts to be recovered

After reviews of Terracon’s survey and the Texas Historical Commission’s guidance, the Commissioners Court authorized an Invitation for Bids for asbestos abatement, artifact recovery and demolition of the 1914 Old County Courthouse.

County staff said the building is in an advanced state of disrepair and that Terracon had identified items that might be worth rescuing. Staff explained artifacts and recovered items will be moved to an off-site location secured through the Ed Rochelle Foundation and held pending Texas Historical Commission direction; staff noted the salvage effort is constrained by structural collapse and asbestos contamination. “We will recover those. They will be moved to an off-site location that we've secured, through our friends at, the Ed Rochelle Foundation,” staff said. Commissioners and staff acknowledged long-standing preservation attempts and explained the decision as a last resort because of cost and safety concerns. The court voted unanimously to publish the IFB and proceed with the procurement for abatement and demolition.