Workers assemble scaffolding on the north side of the Allen County Courthouse in preparation for restoration work that will soon take place.

Repair work on two sides of the Allen County Courthouse’s exterior is wrapping up.  Now, crews are preparing to begin cleaning and repairing the other two sides.

Scaffolding has been removed from the 108-year-old building’s south side and is in the process of being erected on the north side directly across from the City-County Building.  Chuck Magnusson, project manager with General Restoration Corporation, said scaffolding currently on the west side will be moved to the east side within the next week or so.

The shift in work locations will create some temporary inconveniences for the public.  The main entrance and exit for the Courthouse is still on the east side, but fencing has been installed to keep people off the sidewalks nearest to the building while the rehab work is taking place.  Eventually, a covered walkway will be put in place to protect people as they go into and come out of the Courthouse.

On the north side, the Clerk’s payment drop-off box will be out of service until the repair work is complete.  Therese Brown, Clerk of the Allen Circuit and Superior Courts, said payments can be made in person at her office in Room 200B of the Courthouse or mailed to the Clerk’s Office, 715 South Calhoun Street, Room 200B, Fort Wayne, 46802.

Phase two of the $1.4 million preservation project started this spring and is expected to last through this fall.  It covers the joint and limestone repair from the ground level up to the flat roof.  The granite perimeter of the Courthouse will also be repaired and waterproofed.   Phase two also includes waterproofing and repairing the tunnel that leads from the Courthouse to the City-County Building.  Phase one of the project completed last year included the “tower” of the Courthouse, including the dome, lantern and areas above the flat roof of the building.