Historic collides with accessibility in Knox Co.

VINCENNES, IND. (WTHI) - A southern Indiana county finds its historic old courthouse bumping up against federal disability laws.

Officials in Knox County are looking at several options to try and bring the county courthouse into compliance with regulations from the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Those officials are finding that solutions will be neither easy or cheap.

The Knox County Courthouse is a beautiful, historic building with statues and stunning architectural elements, but officials here have been told that when it comes to accessibility it's out of step.

The County Commissioners now find that they have to come up with a solution that will meld the historic building with modern ADA laws.

"Because it is old and sort of an historical building we've got to keep that in mind before we make any changes, especially to the exterior and so," said President of the Knox County Commissioners Rowe Sargent, "but we've got to get into ADA compliance."

The county does have a handicapped entrance, but it doesn't meet federal regulations.

Now, they are looking at a series of options that include adding ramps outside, installing a new elevator in a new location or taking out the old one and having it open outside.

County officials say so far they have not made a decision on what they are going to do to bring the courthouse into compliance with ADA regulations, but the early estimates they've received so far range from just over $100,000 to almost $400,000.

"It's going to take some money and then we'll have to get with the council and see if they're willing to fund it," said Sargent.

Making those additions without marring the old building will be a big challenge.

While the county is facing pressure to update the building, officials say for now they must show they are making progress toward getting the project completed.