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BASTROP — Bastrop County commissioners approved a contract May 11 to replace the deteriorating gazebo outside the historic courthouse rather than patch it up again.
Rotting from untreated wood, used in both the original construction and later repairs, has caused the structure to lean about 4 degrees, according to officials. Though the gazebo is not currently unsafe, it has deteriorated to the point where reconstruction is the better option.
“At this time, the gazebo out front of the historic jail is in disrepair,” said Leon Scaife, a county purchasing agent. “It's not dangerous at this point, but it is to the point where it needs to be reconstructed.”
The county approved hiring preservation architecture firm Architexas for $9,600 to design and oversee the replacement, plus an additional $800 for Texas Historical Commission permits. The project will be paid for using hotel occupancy tax funds, according to commissioners.
The historical commission initially preferred removing the gazebo to restore the courthouse grounds to its old appearance, but agreed to allow reconstruction if the new structure closely resembles its original look.
“As long as we put it back to the earliest known photos … we can reconstruct that,” Scaife said.
According to Architexas and project documents, the current 14-foot octagonal gazebo likely dates to 2009 and was modeled after a bandstand dedicated during the 1976 bicentennial celebration.
The county also provided evidence of an earlier gazebo on the courthouse square dating from about 1935 to 1941.
The firm and county officials emphasized the importance of the structure to the community, noting weddings, veterans events and local gatherings as reasons for keeping the gazebo standing.
Under the contract, Architexas will review historic documents, measure the existing structure and surrounding pathways, prepare construction documents and coordinate with the historic commission.
