Six years after fire

A restored Loudon County Courthouse opened to the public Saturday — more than six years after a devastating fire.

“We’re going back in even better,” said Loudon County Mayor Buddy Bradshaw.

Bradshaw described the 147-year-old building as a modern courthouse with a historic feel to it that will be enjoyed by future generations.

“It’s been a long time coming, but when the people see what’s been done they will know it was worth it. We are going to be here another 150 years,” he said.

A COMPLICATED AND SIGNIFICANT PROJECT

Bradshaw said the restoration of the courthouse was one of the most complicated and significant projects he has been involved with during his three terms as county mayor.

He said challenges included many conversations with insurance officials, supply chain shortages, record rainfall … and even an infestation of honey bees.

The event was attended by hundreds eager to view the renovations that cost more than $11 million, most of which was covered by insurance.

The county paid about $480,000 for additional work, including preserving historic windows, to fully restore the building, which was built in 1872 at a cost of less than $15,000.

District 21 State Representative Lowell Russell (R-Vonore) and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) presented Bradshaw with a proclamation from the State Legislature honoring the historic building.

Visitors included numerous elected officials, curious local residents and history buffs from across the region.

U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said he had been in the courthouse during the past and was very pleased to see such an historic building preserved.

NEW BUILDING ‘WILL BE APPRECIATED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME’

County Commissioners who voted to provide extra funding for the restoration said they believed the project was a worthwhile investment.

“This building will be appreciated for generations to come” said County Commissioner Henry Cullen, who represents Tellico Village.

Commissioner Van Shaver, of the 5th District, pointed out that the building wasn’t only restored to its historic glory but was also made more functional through the addition of modern technology.

Many of the locals were visiting the building for the first time.

Debbie Kovacich drove from Sweetwater to tour the building for the first time.

“It’s gorgeous,” she said. Cindy and Phillip Benefield, from Greenback, climbed the stairs to view the restored second- floor courtroom.

“They did a beautiful job on the building,” Cindy Benefield said.

Among the interesting curios and relics on display included a piece of blackened wood and several wrought iron nails salvaged from the fire. The wood was shaped into a plaque of the outline of Loudon County by David Browder and his wife Melissa, a member of the county school board.

“I wanted to preserve some of the actual wood from the original building,” Browder said.

REOPENING PROVIDES RELIEF TO JUDICIAL SYSTEM

Loudon County Clerk of Courts Steve Harrelson said the reopening of the courthouse will provide much-needed relief to the county judicial system.

The courts have been operating with a patchwork of facilities across the county that complicated scheduling, security and record keeping, he said.

“It’s been hectic for the last six years. We’ve had a mobile court system,” Harrelson said.

He said he and his staff are looking forward to moving in on May 2, as well as looking forward to the consolidation of the court offices which now includes a records facility created with the purchase of a former bank building across the street.

City of Loudon Mayor Jeff Harris said even though rebuilding the courthouse was a county project it was a big day for his city.

“This building and the Courthouse Square has always been a hub of activity for the city,” he said.

Harris also offered a prayer during the opening ceremony. Prayers were also delivered in several of the courthouse rooms and offices by other local church leaders including Dr. Tommy Patterson, Church of the Maranatha; Elder Minister Bobby Fields, Mt. Olive Baptist Church; Senior Pastor John Hunn, First Baptist of Lenoir City; the Rev. Mark Hester, Cumberland Presbyterian Church; and Dr. Steve Prevatte, Tellico Village Community Church.