MONROE - After a month of renovation, the historic Green County Courthouse is returning to its traditional look.
Gone is the dark paneling placed in some of the offices more than 30 years. The paneling was replaced with wallpaper that gives the offices a brighter look, and some of the walls were painted to bring a fresher appearance to the offices. Wainscoting around the walls has also been added or replaced.
The walls weren't the only thing revamped. New carpeting replaced the worn carpeting and new linoleum was placed on the east and west side of the second floor.
The courthouse, built in 1891, remains a center of county government.
Three county offices moved into the courthouse last week after a month of renovation.
Green County Tourism, Green County Development Corporation and Green County Zoning and Land Use offices moved from the Pleasant View Complex to the courthouse. The Green County Coroner's office is expected to move into the building sometime next year.
Tourism Director Noreen Rueckert, whose office is on the northwest corner of the second floor, said the new accommodations will help promote tourism for the county.
"I'll be able to promote the Courthouse and give tours here," she said.
Her office at the Courthouse is closer to historic buildings and downtown activities. People who come to Monroe for information about the city's history and historic buildings will begin their search in one of the most recognizable and historic buildings in the county.
In addition, Rueckert said there will be a room in the Courthouse to show the history of the building. She expects it to be popular with tourists.
Green County Economic Development Coordinator Anna Schramke is still unpacking boxes she brought from her old office, but expects to have everything in place in a couple weeks. She said she's looking forward to the new location.
"It's better to be near businesses and (Monroe) Main Street," she said. "We're more visible. Everyone will know where we are."
The new offices are visited by people who have business on the Square or in the downtown area. Rueckert said the offices are a good fit for the Square.
In addition to the three offices that recently moved to the Courthouse, the county clerk's office, register of deeds' office, treasurer's office and Green County Finance Department remain in the building.
The clerk's office moved to the northwest corner of the first floor. The finance office moved to the northeast corner of the second floor. Register of deeds and the treasurer remain in the same offices.
There are also four conference rooms in the building.
Some remodeling work remains to be done in the Courthouse, Green County Clerk Mike Doyle said. A door will be cut in a wall between the treasurer's office and what used to be the county clerk's office. The door will allow the treasurer to use the former clerk's office and provide the treasurer's office with more space.
All renovation work is expected to be completed by mid-January, Doyle said.
In September, judicial offices moved out of the Courthouse to the new Justice Center, 2841 6th St.
Gone is the dark paneling placed in some of the offices more than 30 years. The paneling was replaced with wallpaper that gives the offices a brighter look, and some of the walls were painted to bring a fresher appearance to the offices. Wainscoting around the walls has also been added or replaced.
The walls weren't the only thing revamped. New carpeting replaced the worn carpeting and new linoleum was placed on the east and west side of the second floor.
The courthouse, built in 1891, remains a center of county government.
Three county offices moved into the courthouse last week after a month of renovation.
Green County Tourism, Green County Development Corporation and Green County Zoning and Land Use offices moved from the Pleasant View Complex to the courthouse. The Green County Coroner's office is expected to move into the building sometime next year.
Tourism Director Noreen Rueckert, whose office is on the northwest corner of the second floor, said the new accommodations will help promote tourism for the county.
"I'll be able to promote the Courthouse and give tours here," she said.
Her office at the Courthouse is closer to historic buildings and downtown activities. People who come to Monroe for information about the city's history and historic buildings will begin their search in one of the most recognizable and historic buildings in the county.
In addition, Rueckert said there will be a room in the Courthouse to show the history of the building. She expects it to be popular with tourists.
Green County Economic Development Coordinator Anna Schramke is still unpacking boxes she brought from her old office, but expects to have everything in place in a couple weeks. She said she's looking forward to the new location.
"It's better to be near businesses and (Monroe) Main Street," she said. "We're more visible. Everyone will know where we are."
The new offices are visited by people who have business on the Square or in the downtown area. Rueckert said the offices are a good fit for the Square.
In addition to the three offices that recently moved to the Courthouse, the county clerk's office, register of deeds' office, treasurer's office and Green County Finance Department remain in the building.
The clerk's office moved to the northwest corner of the first floor. The finance office moved to the northeast corner of the second floor. Register of deeds and the treasurer remain in the same offices.
There are also four conference rooms in the building.
Some remodeling work remains to be done in the Courthouse, Green County Clerk Mike Doyle said. A door will be cut in a wall between the treasurer's office and what used to be the county clerk's office. The door will allow the treasurer to use the former clerk's office and provide the treasurer's office with more space.
All renovation work is expected to be completed by mid-January, Doyle said.
In September, judicial offices moved out of the Courthouse to the new Justice Center, 2841 6th St.