Courthouse project updated

Friday marked the 262nd day of construction on the new Union County courthouse in Jonesboro.

The latest update on the project was given at a regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners.

The meeting was Friday morning at the community center in Jonesboro.

The update was presented to the commissioners by courthouse project manager Mike Smith.

Highlights from the report follow:

HOK architect Sean Twomey visited the construction site Thursday, Oct. 4.

Twomey attended an owners meeting and a pay request to general contractor River City Construction for $862,045.

Twomey discussed several upcoming sequences and then toured the building. He made notes on a lower level punch list for River City Construction that will become a work list.

The term "punch list" defines the first step for the owner to take possession. The architect will scrutinize the building and make a list of items that are incomplete or inadequate.

The list is presented to contractor to complete the punch list. When the architect or owner accepts the work on the punch list done by the contractor, then the building or floor level is "substantially complete." The owner then may take possession and move in.

The new west parking lot is being used by the courthouse staff.

An identity card system has arrived and was set to produce coded photo identification cards that can electronically control access to selected doors.

An emergency generator has been fueled, tested and was certified as ready.

All three elevators in the building have been completed, tested, certified and were ready for an inspection by the State of Illinois. Very limited use of the elevators will be allowed until the county takes formal possession of the building.

The Union County circuit clerk's office has moved more than 400 boxes of records to a high-density filing system that was installed in the lower level storage room.

The new courthouse tower's cupola cap is scheduled for delivery and installation on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

Jonesboro city water has been turned on and plumbing connections were being tested.

Two wood-framed houses have been demolished at the corner of Locust and West Market streets.

The most current timeline for the project follows for the period from October through February 2013:

The sheriff's office will begin to move into the lower level, an office at a time.

Union County 911 switches control from the old building to the new one when wiring is completed.

Old courthouse offices will begin moving on Jan. 1, 2013.

Demolition of the old courthouse and sheriff's office will start in February 2013.