Missoula County Courthouse
Preserving a beloved landmark
Missoula County Courthouse
Architecture | Interiors | Historic Preservation
Built in the early 1900’s, the Missoula County Courthouse is a key component of the city’s central business district. The neoclassical sandstone building boasts numerous original historic elements, including an ironclad cupola and clock tower with a two-ton bell. Spanning nearly a decade, a multi-phased renovation restored the historic structure according to guidelines set by The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The wide scope of work encompassed the entire courthouse and annex building, and required a variety of rehabilitation and preservation treatments, including terracotta tile restoration, granite resurfacing, masonry repointing, and decorative concrete replacement, in addition to the completion of ADA accessibility requirements.
Missoula County Courthouse
Preserving a beloved landmark
Architecture | Interiors |
Historic Preservation
Built in the early 1900’s, the Missoula County Courthouse is a key component of the city’s central business district. The neoclassical sandstone building boasts numerous original historic elements, including an ironclad cupola and clock tower with a two-ton bell. Spanning nearly a decade, a multi-phased renovation restored the historic structure according to guidelines set by The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The wide scope of work encompassed the entire courthouse and annex building, and required a variety of rehabilitation and preservation treatments, including terracotta tile restoration, granite resurfacing, masonry repointing, and decorative concrete replacement, in addition to the completion of ADA accessibility requirements.
An achievement in sustainability
The complex renovation achieved LEED Silver from the U.S. Green Building Council, incorporating numerous energy and water conservation methods to create a long-term, cost-efficient building. Additionally, the project utilized recycled and repurposed existing materials to preserve over 98 percent of the original building composition.
Protecting the Paxsons
Various methods were investigated to artfully display and protect eight historic murals painted by American frontier artist, E.S. Paxson, including the installation of stanchions, protective glazing, alternative lighting, and UV protection film.