Washington County Courthouse Opens Its Front Doors

After more than six years of waiting, visitors to the Washington County Courthouse can finally walk through the front doors once again.  What was originally projected to be a brief, two-month, 200-thousand-dollar fix turned into a prolonged seven-year, three-million-dollar restoration project. The Main Street entrance had been completely sealed off since 2019 due to severe weather damage. Officials say the extensive delays were caused by unforeseen structural challenges and the strict requirements needed to preserve the 1900 historical landmark.  The three-million-dollar price tag was funded by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the courthouse steps Wednesday morning, County Commissioners and Elected officials declared the opening of the six new mahogany doors as the start of a major revitalization chapter for Washington County.  While the entrance retains its grand look, it is debuting some high-tech security. The courthouse is installing the Evolv Weapons Detection System—an AI-powered, touchless design that is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, aimed at streamlining long security lines.  Officials note that while the Main Street entrance is again open for business, the Cherry Street, handicap accessible entrance will also remain open to the public.