COMPLETION EXPECTED AROUND THANKSGIVING
A renovation of some areas inside the historic Platte County Courthouse has been going on for months, with an expected completion time of around Thanksgiving, says Wes Minder, county administrator for Platte County.
The remodeling and improvement work is a $4 million project, using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars the county was awarded after COVID.
The $4 million is a portion of $20 million in ARPA money received by Platte County. The county has used the funding for capital projects, including converting the former Platte County Resource Center into the new home of the Platte County Sheriff’s Department at 11724 NW Plaza Circle, Kansas City in Platte County, east of I-29 near KCI.
Some of the highlights of the interior courthouse renovations:
*The Division 6 (Judge Myles Perry) courtroom will have a scenic view, with large windows overlooking the courthouse front lawn and Platte City’s Main Street.
Minder suggested this courtroom, which is on the second floor in the space immediately above the first floor lobby, could also be used for prosecutor press conferences, if necessary. Prior to the ongoing renovation, this area served as a probate office, Minder said.
*Brick walls in the main level front lobby, which were covered by wood prior to renovation, are now exposed and have been improved with fresh tuckpointing.
*A courtroom being constructed for Division II (Judge Ann Hansbrough) will be spacious, with 3,200 sq. ft. and room for up to 100 people to occupy the gallery, Minder explained.
*Television monitors will be mounted on walls in the hallways to display dockets, replacing paper postings that had been used prior to renovation.
