When the Iron County Courthouse was first constructed in 1974, builders didn't know future government employees would soon be using the sparse outlets to power countless computers and charge their cell phones.

That's why the four-decade old building on 100 East in Parowan had a hard time supporting the changing technology. It also didn't help that the building's electrical system wasn't even grounded.

"How they weren't getting shocked is a mystery to me," Mitch Berger with Zwick Construction joked Monday.

But that was just the start of the problems. During the $3 million renovation of the courthouse, construction crews discovered many of the old walls were filled with asbestos. It was also determined that the eternally too-hot or too-cold temperatures in the dated building could be contributed to a lack of insulation. In the past, major plumbing leaks had caused the building to be shut down for days while repairs were completed. 

There was no option but to reduce it down to the bones before practically starting over. 

"We had to completely gut the old building," Berger said. "You think about the price tag on the building, but it's not that bad considering everything we found." 

The year of work was proudly on display during an open house for the newly renovated building. County officials, local notables and interested citizens gathered in the remodeled courtroom to celebrate the re-opening of the "fortress" after more than a year of work. 

The yearlong project brought all electrical and heating up to code in addition to upgrading technology throughout the building, including adding more electrical outlets and switching everything to smart technology.The entire building was also upgraded to comply with ADA standards.

The Iron County Commission Chambers have been moved to the south courtroom on the second floor of the building. The new space is equipped to hold a larger amount of people while also being better equipped to handle the necessary technology features, including the live streaming of the bi-monthly meetings.

Commissioner Dale Brinkerhoff, who led the project on the county's side, wanted the building to keep its classic look. The exterior remained mostly the same excluding the installation of new double-pane windows. 

Commissioner Mike Bleak was thankful for the familiar look of the building he's come to know fondly during his time as both an Iron County resident, Cedar City Police officer and now as a commissioner. 

"It still has the feel and history of 1974," Bleak said. "Now, our employees have a safe and comfortable place to come to work."

County employees were temporarily relocated to the Fiddlers Canyon building in Cedar City since January 2017. They moved back into their remodeled offices earlier this month. 

The first Iron County Courthouse was built shortly after the county was founded in 1891. Given the history, it was crucial that the courthouse remain in the county seat.

"We had to have our courthouse here in Parowan — in the Mother Town,"  Iron County Treasurer Nicole Rosenberg said.

The work isn't done just yet, though. The front steps still need to be dressed and the landscaping is expected to be completed sometime this spring. 


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