A Fall From Fanfare To Frustration

Readers: In our tough economy, especially for governments, it’s hard to imagine a phrase scarier than “sick building.”

Twenty years ago this month, on Jan. 10, 1989, the Martin County Courthouse opened with great fanfare in Stuart.
Four years later, it closed. It would not reopen for more than 31/2 years.

“It’s a dream come true,” court clerk Marsha Stiller said as the high-tech $11 million complex on East Ocean Boulevard opened for business 39 days early and a quarter million under budget.

If only she knew.

Agencies could now flee the cramped and dilapidated 1939 courthouse, built when the county had only about 6,000 residents, or high-priced rental space in area office buildings.

The thrill didn’t last.

Soon employees were complaining that humidity inside, and resulting mold and mildew, were causing sinus infections, respiratory congestion, headaches, bloody noses and fatigue.

The county spent $360,000 before finally ordering the building evacuated in September 1992.

At the time, officials expected to reopen in a year.

But for 40 months, agencies operated in trailers or offices scattered around the county, even as officials insisted the end was months or weeks away.

Court sessions were moved to the administration building; at times handcuffed prisoners rode in public elevators.
The renovated building featured an improved air conditioner. Wallpaper was removed and exterior cracks sealed.
But it did not come cheap. What began as a project estimated to cost less than $1 million ballooned to $27 million.

Much of the blow was softened by $16.6 million the county recovered in lawsuits.

Tags: buildings, Martin County