Three phases of renovation are underway at the Saline County Courthouse to save the historical landmark

Benton, Arkansas – Renovating the 1902 Saline County Courthouse is possible thanks to a $216,060.00 grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.

The project’s final cost came to $288,080.00 when Saline County matched the award with $72,020.00.

Judge Matt Brumley of Saline County stated, “As you can imagine, you need some maintenance and you need some repairs with a courthouse that is over 120 years old.”

“We begin with the courthouse’s exterior, beginning with a new roof,” Brumley stated.

Phase one of the three-phase renovations began on Sunday and is expected to take approximately three years to complete.

Gutter and downspout repairs and replacements, as well as a full roof replacement, are included in phase one.

“The people of Saline County and the state of Arkansas want to maintain this historic courthouse,” Brumley stated. “In terms of repairs, we are essentially working from top to bottom.”

“Saline County residents have a sense of pride and ownership,” Brumley remarked.

The judge reports that he has been contacted with numerous compliments for the renovations.

Kerry and Drew Roller were among them; they like to ride their bikes through downtown Benton in the afternoons, passing the courthouse on their way.

Kerry Roller expressed her happiness, saying, “We are just so happy that it will be renovated.”
Drew Roller expressed his gratitude for having such a beautiful courthouse. “It’s a wonderful place to simply visit and relax.”

They mentioned how they frequently got off their bikes to have a seat on the seats outside the courthouse and take in the view of the enormous clock tower.

Kerry Roller remarked, “There are always people up here that you can talk with and hear more history about it.”

Phase one is expected to be finished by mid-October, according to Brumley, which will allow them to start hanging Christmas lights from the new roof.