Ellis County Court House set for slight facelift

ELLIS COUNTY – The Ellis County Commissioners Court approved a resolution unanimously to apply for a Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program for emergency repairs to the historic Ellis County Courthouse.

The courthouse, located in downtown Waxahachie, is the fourth building to stand on this site.

The original structure was an 1850 log cabin costing $59. Next was a wooden frame structure in 1854 for $1,999. Then a two-story yellow limestone structure with a tower for $40,000 circa 1870. 

Finally, the current courthouse was formally accepted in 1897 at a cost of approximately $130,000 plus the supervising architect’s fee.

A restoration of the courthouse was completed in 2002.

In October, a full facility assessment was completed with a look at the needed emergency repairs.

These repairs include the original copper louvers at the top of the tower, which need to be replaced or reconstructed; roof tiles need to be replaced; discoloration has occurred in certain areas; and the deterioration of the red sandstone near the windows and elsewhere.

The resolution allows for the county to take part in the application process to apply for the grant. 

The grant is part of a special program, which is part of the courthouse preservation program where counties previously receiving funding can ask for additional money.

The grant is a 70/30 split with 70% paid by the state and 30% by the county for the needed emergency repairs.