See before-and-after photos of long-overdue exterior work.
Built in the 1820s, the Warren County Court House doesn't look quite its age anymore.
Work on the exterior was done early and within budget, costing just under $370,000 and wrapping up almost two months early, according to a county news release.
The facility overlooking Garret D. Wall Park in Belvidere dates back to the county's earliest days, when it separated from Sussex County to the north. But lately, the outside looked haggard with weathered, peeling paint.
The county approved a contract in August and work began in September, as contractor Jupiter Environmental Services, of Pine Brook, N.J., dealt with old lead paint under the cover of tarps.
PHOTOS: Refreshing a weathered courthouse
During the work, the county public works department also replaced about 70 feet of a 19th century sewer line, and the county surrogate's office was moved from inside the courthouse to a former Belvidere bank previously used by the prosecutor's office.
Next year, the county says it plans to replace the courthouse roof and repair the clock and bell inside the cupola -- which may have an interesting history of its own.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.