Ten years ago this week, then-Mayor Brian Sager used his State of the City address to update the public on plans for the Old Courthouse. Three weeks ago, current Mayor Mike Turner discussed progress on that project during his State of the City speech. Sager reported in 2012 that the city would assess immediate and […]
When you rip up floors and tear out walls of an old building, you find surprises. They usually come in two forms: trouble or treasure. During recent interior demolition of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House, employees of construction manager Bulley & Andrews of Chicago came up with a treasure or two. They found a […]
What was almost a short meeting of the Woodstock City Council last week lasted nearly two hours after citizens asked for additional consideration of four items on the lengthy agenda. Council members were prepared to take a single vote to approve the 15 issues up for a vote before they were asked to give separate […]
Tour construction zone inside Old Courthouse Plan to get a little dirty at the Dusty Boots Tour at the Old Courthouse, 101 N. Johnson St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 30. The building, along with the Sheriff’s House, is undergoing final stages of an $18 million restoration and renovation that is scheduled […]
People who have questions or concerns about the ongoing Old Courthouse project probably should take a look inside and hear the story of the 1857 building – its past and future – during tours offered this coming Saturday by Friends of the Old Courthouse. Interior demolition is nearly complete to clear the way for renovations […]
Imagine the possibilities. That thought must have driven the vision for what the project underway at the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House promises for Woodstock. And as the total expense of restoration and renovation inches toward $18 million, we must hope this confluence of historic preservation and commercial development delivers on that promise. We should […]
Bond issues totaling $19 million will help to finance two major projects in Woodstock’s immediate future – renovation of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House, now underway, and the city’s enhanced street improvement program, in 2023. The City Council last week approved a $9 million bond issue for renovation of the historic buildings for new […]
“It’s nice that this will finally be fully used,” said Michael Ervin, co-owner of Ethereal Confections, as he picked his way around construction debris during a tour of the Old Courthouse. Likely, the city of Woodstock couldn’t agree more. Eleven years – and $3.6 million in restoration and renovation – after the city acquired the […]
Members of the Clayworkers’ Guild of Illinois are shaping a new future for themselves. Originally located inside the Old Courthouse for more than 20 years, and known for an annual holiday sale, the guild has moved to a new home inside the former DeWane Studio at 220 Main St., now called Artisans on Main. With […]
Woodstock’s new events facility in the Old Courthouse is now booking weddings, parties, and more – 18 months from now. Final details of construction and renovation work at the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House are nearing completion, with the City Council tentatively scheduled to approve different elements of the project at its meeting on Tuesday […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
