Historic Lehigh County Courthouse Wins Project of the Year
LEHIGH COUNTY, PA—The Historic Lehigh County Courthouse Rehabilitation Project has been named the 2024 Project of the Year by the Lehigh Valley Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (LV-ASCE). The award recognizes the project’s success in restoring and preserving a historic landmark while modernizing it to meet the evolving needs of the county’s judicial system.
Originally constructed in 1817, with major additions in 1865 and 1914, the courthouse experienced overcrowding and deteriorating infrastructure. Significant upgrades were needed to bring the facility up to modern safety, accessibility and operational standards. The rehabilitation project added two courtrooms and two magisterial district courts, allowing the county to consolidate services and maximize space within the courthouse.
Benesch provided design services for the project, carefully balancing modernization efforts with the preservation of the building’s historic character. Using creative structural solutions, the project team stabilized the leaning cupola with minimal steel, restored the 1914 roof framing and repaired the 1865 heavy timber trusses and purlins—all while maintaining the original structure. A new metal deck and insulation system replicated the original roof slopes and flashing details, while deteriorated components were reinforced to retain the building’s form.
ADA compliance was seamlessly integrated into the front entrance design. The stairs were widened and a curved ramp was added to match the sidewalk approach, improving accessibility without detracting from the historic façade. Additional upgrades included energy-efficient mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as discreet seismic reinforcements to the floor systems and masonry load-bearing walls.
The completed project preserves a central piece of Lehigh County’s architectural history while enhancing its functionality for future generations. The project team received the award during the LV-ASCE Annual Awards Banquet on April 16.
