Mason County Courthouse Restoration

May 18

CPM served as the Owner’s Representative for the Mason County Courthouse Restoration, a landmark project that followed the devastating fire of February 4, 2021, which destroyed the 111-year-old historic courthouse in Mason, Texas. The fire, determined to be arson, left only the exterior stone walls standing. Fortunately, all county records had been removed in advance as part of a planned renovation effort, preserving vital documents and archives.

In the aftermath, CPM worked closely with Mason County, the Texas Historical Commission, the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool (TAC RMP), and Architexas (architect) to lead the recovery and restoration effort. The goal was to faithfully reconstruct the courthouse to its original 1909 design while integrating modern systems to meet current codes, functional needs, and resilience standards.

Key elements of the project included:

Structural stabilization and full reconstruction of the historic courthouse core
Restoration of original architectural elements, including the iconic clock tower and cupola
Integration of modern MEP, life safety, and accessibility systems
Community engagement and stakeholder coordination throughout design and construction
Strategic alignment with insurance recovery and public funding sources

The restored courthouse was officially rededicated on July 13, 2024, in a ceremony attended by over 750 community members, symbolizing Mason County’s resilience and the value of public stewardship. The project was honored with the Texas Historical Commission’s Award of Excellence in Historic Architecture, recognizing the team’s dedication to preserving a vital piece of Texas history.

CPM’s role in guiding this complex and emotionally significant restoration underscores its capacity to deliver mission-driven public projects with integrity, technical precision, and a deep respect for community heritage.