For Immediate Release

DATE: November 13, 2008			PHONE: 605-394-2174
CONTACT: Mike Kuhl, Pennington County Buildings & Grounds Department

Pennington County Develops Preservation Plan for Courthouse

Pennington County is developing a preservation plan for its 1922 Courthouse. The plan will guide future 
restoration and rehabilitation efforts for this historic structure and provide documentation to support 
future preservation grant applications. The county’s consultant will present early findings at the regular 
commission meeting next Tuesday.

The Pennington County Courthouse is significant because it represents the evolution of county 
government as the fourth (third on this site) courthouse to serve the people of the county. The building 
was advanced for its time sporting unique features like wall outlets connected to a central vacuum system 
and an ice water tank in an upper level connected to the drinking fountains.

Designed by architect W. E. Hulse, the courthouse was constructed in the Beaux Arts style. It is one of 
only two Beaux Arts buildings in Rapid City and is one of only a handful of Beaux Arts courthouses in 
the state.

Last fall the Board of Commissioners authorized the investigation of potential funding sources to help 
offset the costs of repairs and restoration to this important building. Assisted by the state’s Historic 
Preservation Office and the National Trust for Historic Preservation the county applied for and received 
two grants to help pay for the preservation plan.

Earlier this year Four Front Design Inc. of Rapid City was hired to prepare the preservation plan. Next 
Tuesday, during the regular commission meeting, representatives of Four Front Design will present early 
findings from their research. The meeting is November 18th and begins at 9:00 am in the Commissioners 
Meeting Room in the courthouse.

The county has formed a committee to provide direction in the development of the preservation plan. 
This committee is made up of volunteers outside county government and county officials.

The finalized preservation plan will include historical research, building documentation, condition 
assessments, recommendations for treatment, prioritization of efforts and recommendations for future 
action. In addition to the plan serving as a guide for restoration and rehabilitation work, the county hopes 
to use the plan to support it efforts in applying for funding to pay for the recommended work.

For further information, contact Mike Kuhl, Pennington County Buildings & Grounds Department, 302 
Kansas City Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, (605) 394-2174

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PENNINGTON COUNTY 
               BUILDINGS & GROUNDS

302 Kansas City Street           Rapid City, South Dakota 57701-3097         (605) 394-2174        fax: (605) 394-1916