As an architect, member of the Logan and Richmond Historic District Committees and citizen of Cache County, I would like to respond to individuals in this community that have espoused the demolition of the historic Cache County Courthouse. Completed in 1883 and designed by Salt Lake Temple architect Truman 0. Angell, the courthouse is a fine example of civic architecture constructed during this era by the citizenry of this county.
The often repeated but ill-informed cry that the building has deteriorated and is beyond saving is completely false. In all but the most hopeless of cases, it is less expensive to preserve and upgrade an existing building than it is to demolish and build anew.As an architect in professional practice in Salt Lake City, I was closely involved in the preservation and restoration of both the Ephraim Co-op in Sanpete County and Cove Fort in Millard County. Before restoration, both of these projects were abandoned, inhabited by pigeons and rodents, and all budding components were in an advanced state of deterioration, including mechanical, electrical and structural systems.
Instead of tearing down these structures and losing forever their fine examples of pioneer craftsmanship, the owners of both buildings (Ephraim city and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, respectively) sought a competent architectural firm that was well-versed and experienced in dealing with and overcoming the unique challenges of older structures. Both projects were successfully restored and have been saved for future generations to enjoy.
It is now time for the leaders of Cache County to stop pushing the easy agenda of demolition as the only solution to their current crisis and take the steps necessary to enlist the services of knowledgeable professionals to preserve and restore this "genuine pioneer treasure.
Thomas A. Graham
Logan