What began three years ago as a relatively small renovation became a nearly full-blown remodel for the Box Elder County Courthouse, and commissioners are anxious to show off the new old place.

The original change began with the replacement of the old boiler system and getting air conditioning to all the rooms. This completed, commissioners started looking at the grounds, but without funding were ready to let any future plans go.

But, through the efforts of local veterans headed by Allen Jensen, generous donations from the public and businesses were obtained to refurbish and move the military statue from an overgrown and nearly forgotten corner of the county property, to a newly landscaped spot. The entire re-landscaping of the grounds included the removal of (although under some controversy) all the old trees.

All appeared better--but, did it? Now that the historic county building was in full view, it was apparent the grand old lady was not looking so grand under her peeling, faded and out-dated façade. “One thing led to another,” said Building and Grounds Supervisor Donnie Tarver.

Just as when one home improvement project reveals the need for another one, commissioners saw an overdue need to properly restore the building to her original beauty.

A committee, headed by Jennica Child from County Personnel, was formed, consisting of county workers and citizens. After consulting with various architects and receiving input from the historical architectural guru Don Hartley, officially known as the State Architect for Historic Buildings, the committee was ready to really take the building by the dome and the cornices, and run with it.

The county was fortunate to have within its fold the expertise of some employees, including Marla Young from the Recorder’s Office, who is also an interior designer by trade, and Tarver who was previously in construction, both of whom served on the committee.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to renovate a building of this magnitude,” said Tarver. “It will be a compliment to the community and the county for years to come.” He said that to do this kind of project takes a lot of talented craftsmen with which “the county is blessed.”

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