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Courthouse cupola removal planned for restoration

**Historic Conroe Courthouse Cupola Slated for Removal in Major Restoration Project**

**CONROE, TX –** The distinctive cupola topping the 1936 Art Deco Montgomery County Courthouse in Conroe is slated for removal, a significant step in an extensive restoration project aimed at returning the historic structure to its original 1936 architectural design. The decision, part of a broader preservation effort, was deliberated by the Montgomery County Commissioners Court this past Monday.

The courthouse, located at 301 N. Main Street, is a landmark in downtown Conroe. Its restoration plan, designed by PGAL and led by architect Jonathan B. Miller, addresses both historical accuracy and structural integrity. The cupola, believed to have been added sometime in the early 1940s, is not original to the courthouse’s Art Deco style. More critically, it has developed significant structural issues, showing signs of water intrusion and rot, necessitating its removal to ensure the building’s long-term preservation.

“Our goal is to meticulously restore this magnificent building to its genuine 1936 Art Deco appearance,” stated Commissioner James Noack, a vocal proponent of the restoration. “While the cupola has been a part of the skyline for decades, it was not part of the original design and has become a liability. Preserving the core integrity and historical authenticity of the courthouse is paramount.”

This 18-month restoration project is anticipated to commence sometime in 2024. It is funded through a portion of the $30 million bond package that Montgomery County voters approved in 2023 for historical preservation initiatives. Approximately $1 million of that package is specifically earmarked for efforts related to the historic courthouse. The public had an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed plans, with the comment period closing on March 29, 2024.

The prospect of removing such a recognizable feature has naturally sparked a divided public opinion within the community. Conroe Mayor Jody Czajkoski has openly expressed his opposition to the cupola’s removal, citing its long-standing status as a local landmark and a symbol for many residents. “For generations, that cupola has been a part of Conroe’s identity,” Mayor Czajkoski noted. “While I support the preservation of our historical buildings, we must also consider the emotional and iconic value that features like this hold for our community.”

For those concerned about the cupola’s ultimate fate, county officials have confirmed that the plan is not simply demolition. Instead, the structure will be carefully and methodically removed, preserved, and possibly displayed elsewhere. Options being explored include exhibiting it on the courthouse grounds or even relocating it to a local museum, ensuring its historical significance to the community is maintained for future generations.

The 1936 Montgomery County Courthouse holds considerable historical weight, embodying the Art Deco architectural movement popular during the Great Depression era when many public buildings were constructed. It served as Montgomery County’s main judicial center for nearly 80 years until the new judicial complex opened in 2015. Today, the building continues to house vital county offices, including the Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace, making its structural integrity and historical preservation a critical ongoing effort for the county government and its citizens.

Further details regarding the project timeline and specific exhibition plans for the cupola are expected to be released as the restoration moves forward. Residents seeking more information can visit the Montgomery County government website or contact the County Commissioners Court.

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