(Des Moines, IA) -- The newly renovated 116 year old Historic Polk County Courthouse is now open to the public.
The Polk County Board of Supervisors held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony Tuesday, August 30th, capping off a $39 million renovation. A 2013 bond referendum provided the funds to renovate the outdated courthouse and to transform a former J.C. Penny store into the new Justice Center.
The renovations feature 33 ft. high exposed ceilings, hand painted artwork restorations, 7 ft. tall chandeliers, and more.
"This historic courthouse is an architectural gem and a real source of pride for the community," says Polk County Board Chair Angela Connolly in a press release. "It provides for a safer and more efficient way for our 5th judicial district to conduct the business of the courts and serve the people of Polk County. We are grateful Polk County voters entrusted us to be the stewards of this new campus which will serve our growing community effectively for years to come."