Travis County Probate Court Restoration

In 2016, Travis County acquired the 1936 U.S. Courthouse, a significant example of Public Works Administration Moderne architecture, and initiated a comprehensive rehabilitation to accommodate its growing probate court system. The restoration carefully preserved the building's original Art Deco and Moderne interiors, including wood panels, marble walls, and metal finishes, while integrating modern systems like HVAC, electrical, and security features. A key challenge was the replacement of over 160 historic steel windows, where new aluminum sash was designed to replicate the original profiles while addressing cost considerations. The exterior limestone façade underwent meticulous cleaning and repair, and the iconic flagpole was restored to its original position. Inside, new courtrooms and administrative spaces were designed to meet the evolving needs of the courts. Additionally, modern interventions such as a glass vestibule for security were thoughtfully integrated to preserve the building’s historic integrity. This civic-focused adaptive reuse project, totaling 59,000 square feet, embodies the complex balance of preserving historic character while providing functional updates necessary for contemporary use.