Sussex County Courthouse cupola grounded for restoration

GEORGETOWN — The Sussex County Courthouse will look a little different for the next several months.

The building’s cupola, a landmark in the circular heart of Georgetown, was removed Saturday and is at ground level, fenced-in and set to undergo assessment and restoration.

“We’re looking at putting up scaffolding starting (next) week. That way, we can start to assess everything that would need to be done for the restoration project,” said Jennifer Coverdale, director of Delaware’s Division of Facilities Management. “It is very tall. It’s a couple stories high. You don’t realize until it is actually on the ground.”

The update may encompass painting, wood and metal repairs, plus louver work. The estimated cost for the project is about $500,000, Ms. Coverdale said.

Bathon Builders is the contractor, while the architectural firm is R G Architects.

The reconstruction is expected to be complete this summer.

“We’re estimating around two to three months, depending on inspection and weather. Obviously, it will go back up,” Ms. Coverdale said. “This project, we were planning on starting a little earlier, but unfortunately, due to weather, it has delayed it a little bit.”

She went on to say that the cupola will certainly be returned to its place before Return Day in early November.

The courthouse was built in 1840 and has undergone several renovations and additions, the last in 2006.