Community Hallmark Re-Envisioried Exploring future uses and renovation opportunities for a historic courthouse in Westmoreland Kansas Project Summary Community: Westmoreland, Kansas Technical Assistance: Site Design Former Use: Courthouse and Office Space Future Use: Office and Community Space The Pottawatomie County Courthouse in Westmoreland, Kansas was built in 1884. It was designed by a local citizens committee and paid for by private contributions, cementing its place as a hub for government activity and justice in the Westmoreland community. As the second oldest existing courthouse in the state, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018. The Courthouse held the primary offices of the County government until 1994 and continued to serve court functions until 2012. The building has been underutilized since, with low occupancy levels and a deteriorating structure from water and weather damage. The Community's Challenge The Courthouse has played a significant role in the history of the Westmoreland community but with a new Justice Center built just north of the site, the County is unsure how to best use the site moving forward. There have also been several events, including a fire and flood in the basement, which have damaged the structural integrity and condition of the historic building. Without clear guidance on the possible uses and funding opportunities to renovate the historic structure, the community has been struggling with how to breathe life back into this community staple. EPA's Land Revitalization Technical Assistance In 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Land Revitalization Program provided contractor technical assistance to develop site reuse plans for the historic Pottawatomie County Courthouse. The intent of the assistance was to understand the feasibility of reusing the building and site, identify potential issues and constraints that might exist, and outline next steps for the reuse strategy. The project team reviewed several key documents on the structural conditions of the building as well as space and facility needs of the County. The team participated in multiple virtual meetings with EPA Region 7, the Flint Hills Regional Planning Commission, Pottawatomie County, and other stakeholders, and led an in-person stakeholder meeting to gather feedback from community members on possible uses and tenants for the building. The project team developed two alternatives for reusing the space. Option 1 focuses on a mix of office and community space that could be utilized for public activities to serve the residents. Option 2 explores the possibility of co-working space with complimenting offices. Funding strategies, including the use of Federal and State historic tax credits, were developed for each option. Providing this key information and strategy guide for the community will allow Pottawatomie County to make community-informed and financially feasible decisions about the future of this historic courthouse. Rendering of potential 2nd floor community meeting space. For more information, contact Charlie Foley, EPA Region 7 Brownfields Program, at folev.charlie@epa.gov. United States Environmental Protection ^*^1 M * Agency Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization 560-F-22-035 ------- |