By Clay LePard
clepard@cbs4qc.com
They are some of the most recognizable facades in downtown rock island, but inside it's not pretty.
The County Administration building was completed in 1898 and county leaders say while it's beautiful on the outside, the inside is another story and it's time for a new one.
There are holes in the walls, unpredictable temperatures and even buckets on top of old records to handle the rain.
"It depends on which way the wind blows, the skylight leaks a little bit," says Mike Van Erstvelde, building maintenance manager.
Back in 2002, it didn't look like the building would last long after a boiler exploded and shook the streets.
"The heating, the air conditioning is very old, very hard to maintain," he adds.
But even more than 10 years later, county leaders continue to keep things running. But at some point, they say enough is enough.
"A new building would be the best thing," he explains. "It's just the repairs are going to get worse and worse. Last couple of years we limped here and there with this old equipment that was outdated 20 years ago."
It's not just this county building that leaders say needs a facelift. County leaders say a new courthouse could cost $20 million. But with pieces falling from the building and a leaky roof, it's something that needs to be done.
"We didn't notice it until Monday," says Kelly Fisher, Rock Island County Recorder. "And you literally needed an umbrella."
Hundreds of records were soaked and ruined a couple of years ago when a pipe burst. And that's just the tip of the iceberg; crumbling walls, broken heaters, and outdated courtrooms are the norm here.
"Everyone is familiar with ADA standards and the courtrooms here in this building do not meet any of them," says Victoria Bluedorn, court administrator.
Court leaders say they've looked into upgrading the current building but kept running into walls - literally.
"These are all weight bearing walls," says Mark Vandewiele, circuit court judge. "You can't expand the courtroom by expanding weight bearing walls, that's why we have a wall that's 42 inches thick that essentially divides this courtroom in half."
And as far as safety, officers say a new building would be ideal.
"We keep people safe here but it would make our jobs easier if we had a more modern building," explains Cpt. Martin Marlier.
So what would it take to get these new buildings built?
Across the area, county leaders are trying to educate the public about an upcoming ballot question.
The proposal would grant more power to the county building commission.
This would allow the commission to move forward with restoring or rebuilding county offices. The next meeting is March 28th at 6 p.m. at the Local 25 Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall in Rock Island.
The public casts votes on the referendum on April 9th.
