Saline County Courthouse begins three-phase revitalization to preserve the historical landmark

The Saline County Courthouse, built in 1902, is being renovated after receiving a $216,060.00 grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.

Saline County matched the grant with $72,020.00, bringing the total project cost to $288,080.00.

By: Mattison Gafner
Fox16

BENTON, Ark.— The Saline County Courthouse, built in 1902, is being renovated after receiving a $216,060.00 grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.

Saline County matched the grant with $72,020.00, bringing the total project cost to $288,080.00.

“As you can imagine, with a courthouse that is over 120 years old, you need some maintenance and you need some repairs,” Saline County Judge Matt Brumley said.

“We start with the envelope of the courthouse, starting with a new roof,” Brumley said.

The renovation is threefold and will take about three years; Sunday marked the start of phase one.

Phase one includes a complete roof replacement and repairing or replacing gutters and downspouts.

“The state of Arkansas wants to take care of this historic courthouse along with the people of Saline County,” Brumley said. “We are basically going from the top to the bottom on repairs.”

“There’s a sense of pride and ownership with the residence of Saline County,” Brumley said.

According to the judge, he has received many positive comments about the renovations.

Among them were Kerry and Drew Roller, who enjoy afternoons riding their bikes in downtown Benton, passing the courthouse each time.

“We are just really glad that it is going to be renovated,” Kerry Roller said.

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