Sussex Courthouse cupola project completed

Repairs and renovation of the cupola on the Sussex County Courthouse have been completed.

There were some materials delayed, which took a little longer than expected, said Jennifer Coverdale, director of the state’s facility and management office. The delays pushed the construction deadline back four months.

The historic cupola was raised back to its original position Oct. 20, after being taken down in early May.

It currently sits on the The Circle in downtown Georgetown, where it has been for more than 180 years. Coverdale said the work included restoration of the cupola following an architect’s review of the structure. The plan outlined needed repairs, such as remediating wood rot, fixing the louvers and repainting. She said the project budget was $500,000.

This is the second courthouse to occupy the property. The original wooden courthouse was built in 1792-93 when the county seat moved from Lewes to Georgetown. It was moved a block away on South Bedford Street in 1837 to make way for a new brick courthouse, which was completed in 1840. The tower was enlarged and the columns were added in 1914, and the courthouse underwent an extensive renovation in 1970.

The courthouse is home to Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas and Capitol Police. The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and the old courthouse was added in 1971.

The original courthouse was restored in 1974 with funding from the state and the National Park Service. It was dedicated on Return Day 1976.