Montgomery County commissioners voted Jan. 29 to place a dedicated agenda item on a future meeting to clarify long-term plans for the historic courthouse after preservation proposals raised concerns about space limits and whether restoration aligns with growing court demands.
On January 29, Montgomery County commissioners took steps to formally reassess the future layout of the county’s historic courthouse. This decision followed a preservation presentation that highlighted concerns regarding space limitations and the need for long-term infrastructure planning.
The Montgomery County Historical Commission's presentation on advancements in a courthouse preservation master plan prompted the decision. Jason Smith, deputy chief of staff to County Judge Mark Keough, informed commissioners that the county has submitted its plan to the Texas Historical Commission. This submission is a necessary step prior to applying for state preservation grants.
According to Smith, the initial phase of the grant will fund design and schematic planning. Funding for construction projects will necessitate a matching contribution from the county. He stated that the judges have received detailed floor-by-floor drawings for their feedback.
Commissioners promptly redirected the conversation to a broader issue: aligning restoration efforts with the county’s long-term judicial requirements.
Commissioner Matt Gray from Precinct 4 cautioned the court against focusing solely on restoration details before formulating a comprehensive strategy for the courthouse.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley expressed his support for restoring the building to its historic appearance while emphasizing that such efforts would not address the existing capacity issues.
Officials have emphasized the necessity for a new courthouse to adequately serve judges, courts, and the criminal justice system. The message is clear: do not misconstrue any remodeling efforts as a replacement for a new courthouse. “That’s not what this is,” Riley stated.
Smith stated that the initial plan aimed to restore the building to its “original 1936 courthouse” design, which would require removing the wings added in later years. He stated that the building would accommodate only seven to eight courtrooms.
Gray expressed his opposition, noting that the commissioners had not held a formal vote to eliminate the wings and urging the court to "tamp this down." Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler acknowledged that the issue necessitates a properly posted agenda item. The court has directed staff to schedule the discussion for an upcoming meeting.
The county's preparations for the 523rd District Court, scheduled to commence operations on September 1, 2026, align with the upcoming debate. In a decision made in October, commissioners approved a reorganization of courtroom and office space to establish a new court and increase courtroom capacity.
Judges have issued warnings for several months regarding the courthouse's capacity constraints. In February 2025, officials informed commissioners that they had exhausted all alternatives, highlighting the challenges faced by 20 judges operating within just 17 functional courtrooms as space limitations grow increasingly severe.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)