$180,000 column restoration project on Perry County Courthouse completed

Perry County Commissioner Albert Turner Jr. recently announced that a $180,000 column restoration project of the county courthouse has been completed, with more upgrades to be done for the rest of the building. 

"Marion has four Historic Districts listed on the National Register of Historic Place which contain over 70 antebellum buildings," Turner said on his Facebook page. "The courthouse is the centerpiece of Marion Courthouse Square Historic District. Chairman Turner set out to restoring the antebellum centerpiece last year and his makeover is not done yet."

Turner's announcement said that the next phase will be to pressure wash the building and begin work on the front porch that will include access for the handicapped. 

"The Washington Street construction will allow one way in and out access to the building," he said. "Currently the Washington Street entrance is closed off to the public because of the damage to the front porch and steps. The Washington Street side does not allow ingress or egress to disabled citizens, a situation that must change."

The commission will seek a memorandum of understanding with the Marion city government to install handrails at the courthouse square as well as at the employees entrance and the Pickens Street side.

Turner's announcement also mentioned updates on other projects throughout, with some being completed and others in progress. These include broadband, storm shelters, road projects and others.