Douglas County Commission Chambers Renovation

Standing proudly at the southeast corner of Massachusetts and 11^th streets in downtown Lawrence, Kansas, the Douglas County Courthouse has long been a cornerstone of community governance. Designed by esteemed architects John G. Haskell and Frederick C. Gunn, the courthouse was completed in 1904 in the Romanesque Revival style, a testament to its era’s dedication to craftsmanship, permanence, and civic pride. Constructed from native Cottonwood limestone, the building’s robust character reflects the values of the people it serves—strength, integrity, and enduring commitment to public service.

For more than a century, the courthouse has been the setting for critical decisions that shape the future of Douglas County. Among its most significant spaces is the second-floor courtroom, now home to the Douglas County Commission Chambers. This room, with its soaring ceilings, stained glass, and intricate woodwork, has been at the heart of governance in the county. However, as the needs of the community evolved, so too did the demands placed upon this space.

Treanor led the rehabilitation of the 2,375-square-foot commission chambers, balancing historic integrity with contemporary functionality. The team began with an exhaustive research process, uncovering historical documentation and conducting material analysis to determine the original design intent. Paint analysis revealed the historic color scheme, guiding the restoration of the chamber’s decorative finishes. Archival photographs helped reconstruct period-appropriate chandeliers and sconces, ensuring that new lighting fixtures honored the room’s past.

Key elements of the restoration

• Historic reorientation: furniture placement was realigned to reflect the original courtroom layout from 1905-1913
• Plaster and paint restoration: skilled artisans meticulously recreated historic ceiling details and restored the decorative painted and scored wainscot
• Lighting and woodwork: custom-fabricated replica chandeliers and sconces, alongside refinished historic woodwork, brought the room back to its former splendor
• Window and stained-glass restoration: original windows were repaired, and stained-glass elements were carefully refurbished
• Accessibility and acoustic enhancements: a subtle expansion of the dais accommodated the additional commissioners, while acoustic treatments improved sound clarity

The project adhered to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, preserving the room’s defining features while making strategic updates to enhance its usability.

The Douglas County Commission Chambers Renovation is a testament to the value of thoughtful preservation. This space, long a focal point for civic discourse, now stands renewed—ready to serve a growing community while remaining deeply connected to its storied past.

Treanor helped Douglas County honor its history while preparing for the future. The revitalized chambers retain their architectural character, tell a richer story of the courthouse’s legacy, and make sure that the county’s governance takes place in a setting as dignified as the work conducted within it.