The Routt County Commissioners wrote a letter of support to History Colorado, backing the county’s application to receive $250,000 fromt the State Historical Fund to help preserve the Routt County Courthouse.

“The Routt County Courthouse is a vital community landmark and a symbol of our county’s civic life and heritage,” states the letter from the commissioners.

The county plans to address critical exterior needs as part of the Historic Preservation Plan, including repairing terra cotta spalling and joint failures caused by freeze-thaw cycles, repointing parapet wall and cap mortar joints, providing ongoing care for stone features and rehabilitating deteriorating windows, according to the letter.

“This work is essential to protect the building envelope, extend the structure’s service life and ensure safe public access … ,” the letter continues. “Investing in its preservation ensures continued access and educational value for students, residents and heritage tourists alike, strengthening both cultural identity and the local economy.”

Built in 1923, the Routt County Courthouse is open to the public daily and serves thousands of residents and visitors each year through government services, public meetings and cultural events. Located in downtown Steamboat Springs, the classical revival style courthouse is one of the most recognizable and photographed historic buildings in the region.

The preservation project is estimated to cost $500,000. If the county receives the grant, the county will match the grant to meet the total $500,000.

“By equally investing in the courthouse’s future, both the state and the county demonstrate a shared commitment to safeguarding one of Colorado’s most important public resources,” states a commissioners’ communication form from the Sept. 30 meeting.

In June, Routt County received $250,000 from the History Colorado State Historical Fund to go toward the restoration of the Maxwell-Squire building downtown.

“Supporting this project honors a century of history while ensuring the courthouse remains a living, functional landmark for future generations,” the letter states. “We believe this project is timely, well-scoped, and preservation-focused, advancing stewardship consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. We respectfully urge the State Historical Fund to fund Routt County’s request so this essential work can proceed without delay.”