The Miami County Courthouse, a Troy, Ohio-based historic landmark dating back to 1888, needed renovations to address safety concerns and revitalize its surrounding plaza. Garmann Miller, a multi-service firm, was tasked with this significant restoration project, aiming to restore the courthouse's grandeur while ensuring it remains a focal point in the community.

One of the main challenges that the design team faced was the deteriorating condition of the existing plaza. The plaza's poor lighting, numerous trip hazards, and sunken areas over abandoned tunnels made it unsafe. Furthermore, the courthouse's foundations were leaking, and many original brick and dirt tunnels around the building needed to be addressed.

Historical Splendor
According to the Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau, construction took place from 1885 to 1888 and was designed by architect Joesph Yost of Columbus, Ohio. The building symbolizes core historical and cultural elements that remain the values of the community today. Its ornate dome is topped by a statue of Lady Justice carrying the sword of truth and scales of justice.

Statues at the front of the courthouse represent classical Greek and Latin education. The center lady is raising the books of knowledge over her head, and the man carrying the lion in his hand is a symbol of Greek education. Agriculture faces west with a scythe and a bundle of wheat. Transportation looks east and carries a small locomotive. Industry faces north holding a wrench and standing by a lathe.

Garmann Miller's landscape architecture team performed historical research to create bronze interpretive signage to complement the statues.

The $3.6 million project was done in two phases beginning with demolition, followed by a second phase that included design and construction. Today, the building is one of the most iconic examples of courthouse architecture in the Midwest and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Restoring to Glory
To preserve the historical significance of the courthouse, design decisions that paid homage to its past were used. The front of the courthouse became the new focal point instead of the frontage of the neighboring building, and the team selected site lights resembling gas lanterns to create a vintage ambiance. Post-top light fixtures on the grand courthouse stairs were restored to their original condition, maintaining the historical charm.

Led by landscape architect Kathy Trejo, RLA, the team also made various site improvements that included waterproofing the pedestrian tunnel between the two buildings, waterproofing the courthouse below grade, abandoning many of the original brick and dirt tunnels around the courthouse, and shoring up a tunnel to be used for infrastructure. The team worked diligently to address unknowns in the foundations and tunnels, conducting test digs, and adapting designs accordingly.

 
"The Miami County Courthouse holds a special pla ce in the hearts of the community," Trejo said when discussing the building's significance. "It was crucial for us to respect its historical value. . ."

The restoration is an example of how historical landmarks can be preserved with careful planning and community involvement. Garmann Miller incorporated elements from the courthouse's interior and surrounding area to produce a cohesive and historically accurate design. The brick paving pattern on the plaza mimicked the floor tile pattern found inside the courthouse, tying the indoor and outdoor spaces together.

Salvaged stones from the original wall surrounding the courthouse were repurposed as bench seating, preserving a piece of the historic structure within the new design. The stone columns in the fountain on Courthouse Plaza are salvaged from the walls of the old 1854 jail, and the stone pavers from the existing 1888 sidewalk entry to the courthouse were converted to the stone basin in the new water feature. A new historical fence style was also chosen for the front of the plaza.

Community Engagement
Throughout the project, Garmann Miller actively engaged with the public to address questions and concerns. Public presentations were held to inform the community about the issues faced by the courthouse and the proposed solutions.

The project focused on major upgrades to enhance the experience of the community by improving pedestrian access, making the site ADA accessible, increasing the exterior lighting for security and safety, and allowing the public use of the space. The design team also honored local police by enhancing the on-site memorial with a prominent location and blue light.

A new color-changing lighting system was installed
to illuminate the courthouse, and wayfinding was improved with an intuitive pavement layout and signage leading to the correct entries. The project ended up exceeding the commissioners' goals to honor the courthouse architecture, improve pedestrian
access, increase safety and security, and create a space the public will utilize.

A Site to Celebrate
Upon completion in October 2020, a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony was held with key stakeholders. It was followed by an evening of festivities during which community members gathered to experience the plaza's fresh facelift. In 2022, the plaza was given the top award for a commercial clay brick project from Hardscape North America.

The revitalization of the Miami County Courthouse and its plaza was celebrated as a resounding success. Safety and security concerns were resolved, allowing visitors to comfortably enjoy the space.

Garmann Miller's meticulous approach to restoring the Miami County Courthouse exemplifies the successful fusion of historical preservation, safety improvement, and community engagement.

TEAM MEMBERS
Landscape Architect: Garmann Miller
Chris Monnin, Senior Management Lead
Kathy Trejo, Design Lead, Landscape Architect
Sara Post, Site Designer
Mitchell Davis, Site Designer
Ben Miller, Electrical Designer
Lee Westgerdes, Plumbing Design
Jason Fleming, Construction Administration
Contractors: Outdoor Enterprises, E. Lee Construction
Water Feature Design: Aquatic Creations, Daniel Maitland
Civil Engineer: Nancy Tobe
Irrigation Design: WC3 Design, Debbie Bedway
Structural Engineer: Shell & Meyer Associates, Phil Ruscillo
Environmental Engineer: CTL Engineering, Brad Keller
Geotechnical Engineer: CTL Engineering, Fred Schoen
Project Estimator: Blundall Associates, Inc., Phillip Salisbury