slideshow

POINT PLEASANT — Exterior renovation on what will be the new home of the Mason County Sheriff’s Department has begun.

Work began on the old Point Pleasant Hardware building last week with contractors Trisco Systems of Lima, Ohio having 60 days to complete the job. Trisco Systems had a bid of $102,092, the lowest of six total bids. The Mason County Commission awarded the job to the firm earlier this month based upon the recommendation of Chapman Technical Group, the firm handling the engineering and design phases of the project.

The work should be completed towards the end of January, according to County Administrator John Gerlach, that is, if the weather is cooperative.

Gerlach said on Monday, mortar joints had expanded due to weathering and if unaddressed, this problem would likely result in falling bricks and further damage to the building’s facade. Gerlach, along with the Mason County Commission, have expressed a need to proceed with the exterior work to prevent further decay of the property which again, will be used for the sheriff’s department on the first floor, as well as courthouse storage on other floors.

The work Trisco has been hired to do is for the exterior only and includes removal and replacement of brick above the building’s windows on the side which faces the Iron Gate Grill. Mortar joints will be repaired on the front of the building and the side of the building which faces the State Theater. The building will also need pressure washed so the new and existing brick will resemble one another more closely.

Interior work on the building is still in the design phase. Bids for the interior will likely go out early next year with the hope they come in at the right price to move the project forward.

Tricso Systems specializes in restoration work and locally, completed a restoration project at Washington Elementary in Gallipolis, Ohio in 2010. The company has been in business since 1936 and its client list includes The Ohio State University, Kraft Foods in Battle Creek, Mich., Notre Dame University, Cathedral Basilica in Covington, Ky., Cleveland City Schools, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Indianapolis Schools System, Miami Valley Hospital, among others.