Fayette County Historic Courthouse
Lexington, Ky.
Award of Merit

Owner: Historic Courthouse LLP
General Contractor/Construction Manager: Messer Construction Co.
Lead Design Firm: K Norman Berry
Structural Engineer: Buell, Fryer, McReynolds, Jahad Inc.
Civil Engineer: Carman
MEP Engineer: CMTA
Stabilization Subcontractor: GeoStabilization International

Once a vacant and deteriorating historic treasure, the 119-year old Fayette County Historic Courthouse was transformed into a community focal point in downtown Lexington. The project included full restoration of a rotunda that has been closed since 1960. The weathered limestone exterior was refreshed to preserve the building’s architectural integrity. A glass floor installed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors allows a ground-level view of the restored rotunda as well as the building’s many other painstakingly restored features and finishes.

As some parts of the building had not been touched in more than 50 years, each day presented the project team with a new challenge, including structural problems. These discoveries demanded that the project team respond with quick solutions. BIM proved an invaluable tool for coordinating MEP systems, ensuring proper clearances and preventing clashes.

Some of the unforeseen conditions that the project team ran into after starting the renovation included  very serious structural problems that required stabilization as well as the presence of lead paint and asbestos.

Lean construction practices, team-wide communication and advanced project management technology combined to limit rework, accurately identify long lead time items and ensure all needed materials were ready on schedule to minimize logistical conflicts. Messer was able to complete the project on time.