Old jail project could be finished by early 2008

CHENANGO COUNTY – Renovations to the old jail and Sheriff’s Office on the corner of West Park Place and Court Street in Norwich are scheduled to be completed by Jan. 11, 2008, according to the architectural firm handling the roughly $2 million project.

John Lorence, a representative of South New Berlin-based John Snyder Architects, presented the project’s tentative scope and timeline to the county’s Agriculture, Buildings and Grounds committee Tuesday, covering a 40-item plan that includes: demolishing the cell block area; replacing the existing roof, windows, and doors; upgrading the heating, electrical and plumbing systems; replacing and/or reinforcing the building’s foundation, support columns, masonry, and stonework; creating new walkways and handicapped accessible ramps; and putting in an elevator.

Upon completion, the currently connected office and jail buildings will be separated and turned into office space.

“There’s quite a bit of need for re-pointing and replacing,” said Lorence, referring to the foundation, stonework and masonry of the former Sheriff’s building. “There’s been a lot of water damage from off the sides of the buildings.”

In regards to the plans, the committee discussed:

• Salvaging the old metal cells.

• Setting guidelines for retaining the buildings’ historical integrity.

• Looking into alternative energy options for the building.

• Painting or not painting the brick exterior.