By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Kosciusko County’s courthouse will soon be more illuminated at night.
That’s because the county is installing nine new light posts outside of the courthouse that will coincide with other security measures.
Foundations for the light posts were installed earlier this month, with most along the perimeter of the courthouse square.
Improved security measures are part of a string of changes in the past year or so.
Similar improvements have already been implemented at the Justice Building to the west of the courthouse.
Funding for the projects was provided through a grant from Homeland Security, officials said.
Officials confirmed the changes on Tuesday.
Also Tuesday, the county commissioners approved plans for design work needed ahead of construction that will help meet federal ADA guidelines involving county properties.
The projects will include upgrades to bathrooms at the work release center near US 30 and in the basement of the courthouse. Other exterior improvements are also part of the plan.
The cost of designing those improvements is expected to be around $130,000.
The commissioners also approved plans to spend about $57,000 for design work by Design Collaborative for the proposed city-county parking garage.
Officials plan to use land along Fort Wayne Street, some of which is the Ameriprize Financial land being obtained through eminent domain.
Commissioner Cary Groninger said they are still unsure how big the structure will be, including the number of floors that will be needed. He said they know the county wants 150-200 parking spaces, but more is needed for other downtown uses.
Officials plan to rely on $5 million from the $30 million pool of money provided by the state for the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative for construction. The city of Warsaw is pledging to cover $2 million to $3 million, with the county covering the remaining portion.
