Winter 2005

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Volusia's restored historic courthouse back in service; wows visitors

In a ceremony that longtime Volusia County leaders called one of the warmest and most appreciated public events in recent memory, the Volusia County Council officially re-opened the historic courthouse in downtown DeLand on November 17. A crowd estimated in excess of 300 attended the ribbon cutting and reception in the building's rotunda.

The re-opening of the historic courthouse capped a 10-year, multi-phased restoration undertaken by Volusia County that included a complete refurbishing of the exterior and interior of the building, a focal point of DeLand, Volusia's county seat.

"Today we are writing another page in the history of our great County of Volusia," said Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno in his remarks to the crowd that spilled out from the courthouse steps into tree-lined, bricked W. Indiana Avenue. "This historic courthouse stands as a symbol of freedom, justice, equality and the principles we practice as Americans and as residents of our wonderful State of Florida. "

Opened in 1929, the historic courthouse served as a workhorse of Volusia's judicial system until it was closed in 2001–too crowded and badly in need of a major facelift. Containing some 60,000 square feet of space, the restored courthouse now houses the county's Department of Elections, administration of the Department of Public Protection and the Public Works Department's survey crew.

The renovation cost nearly $9 million and was funded by the county and three state historic preservation grants. The restoration included the meticulous refinishing of the copper dome and the four-faced clock whose chimes are music to downtown DeLand. A stucco coating of the exterior was removed by hammer and chisel, exposing the original bricks, literally one at a time.

"This historic courthouse in its stately beauty and graceful age tells the story of this area and defines who we are," said Dwight Lewis, the West Volusia representative on the County Council. Lewis thanked the City of DeLand, the DeLand Mainstreet Association and the DeLand Museum of Art for their support and contribution to the restoration.

Native Florida artist Jackson Walker beamed with pride as he looked at 16 of his paintings that now grace the walls of the courthouse, having been given to the county by the DeLand Museum on long-term loan. The collection is titled "Legendary Florida."