Courthouse foundation sealed, waterproofed
Staff reporter
After more than 100 years of erosion and exposure to the elements, any building would need some maintenance.
Such is the case with the historic Marion County Courthouse.
Built in 1906, the limestone and concrete structure has served the county well but mold has made it necessary for the county to waterproof the building's foundation.
For the past 10 days, contractors have dug out dirt and treated the foundation of the building to prevent future mold and water seepage problems.
A couple of years ago, mold was discovered in the basement of the building. It was cleaned up by removing floor and wall coverings.
"The purpose of the waterproofing is to keep moisture from coming in the basement," Marion County Clerk Carol Maggard said. "Marion County Commission decided to address the entire courthouse instead of just doing the problem area."
Restoration and Waterproofing Contractors Inc. of Wichita was the general contractor and Kenny Rogers Trenching of Peabody did the trench work with a backhoe.
Mariclay benotite was used to waterproof the building which sealed the foundation, protecting it from water.
The work is about half completed and anticipated to be finished in another 10 days or so.
Unfortunately, in order for the contractors to reach the foundation, shrubs, trees, and flowers were removed.
Landscaping is on the list for the commission to consider in the coming months but no work will be started until spring.
