The Somerset County Courthouse is one of New Jersey’s most significant public buildings. Designed by James Riely Gordon with his partners Egerton Swartwout and Evarts Tracy, the building is an excellent example of the Neoclassical Revival style. All three architects had previously worked for the preeminent American architectural firm of the era, McKim, Mead and White.
In the 1990s, principals and staff of Mills + Schnoering Architects prepared an Existing Conditions Survey and Preservation Plan for the building as part of a first phase of work. The study provided recommendations for the building’s restoration and rehabilitation with projected costs and schedules for implementation.
The scope of the construction work included the repair and consolidation of the exterior marble; replacement of all roofing systems and rainwater drainage; new HVAC, plumbing, lighting and electrical systems; a new elevator and other improvements to conform to barrier-free sub-code and accessibility requirements; new egress systems, fire suppression and smoke evacuation to conform to fire and life safety codes; and the restoration of significant finishes and acoustical treatments for the main courtroom. The project was awarded an AIA-New Jersey Design Award for Excellence in Architecture.
Currently, Mills + Schnoering Architects is working on an exterior restoration project that involves marble repair and replacement (including profiled and carved marble elements), roofing and drainage, re-gilding of statuary, and restoration of windows, doors, stucco, and concrete. The assessment involved experts in rope access at the roofs and cupola. Construction documents were prepared by the design team, with cleaning mockups and stone sourcing currently in progress. The County plans to start construction in 2026.