Courthouse Renovation History
In the nearly two hundred years since its construction, the Old McHenry County Courthouse and Jail has undergone a myriad of different renovations and modifications. Accross the generations, every inch of the building from the lowest floor to the tallest section of the roof has been refurbished. All of these individual repairs have sought to maintain the building's unique character as it weathers the passage of time.
More recently, an inspection of the Old McHenry County Courthouse and Jail found significant damage in several critical areas such as the roof. Soon after, the Old Courthouse was temporarily closed and scheduled for improvements. Between February of 2022 and July of 2023, the building was renovated and modified into the Old Courthouse Center, an economic hub for local businesses in Woodstock.
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Throughout the renovation, the age of the building presented the construction crew with many challenges as they worked to remodel the structure but they have persevered through the project. To celebrate its completion, we thought we would share footage of the site!
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Courthouse Chimney Demolition (Summer 2022)
Courthouse Exterior (Spring 2022)
Looking to dive deeper into the ongoing renovation project? Click here for more information.
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In 1972, crews hired by McHenry County broke ground on the construction of a new county administration building, that once completed, absorbed the political functions of the Old McHenry County Courthouse and Jail. The Old Courthouse was sold to a local resident and a group of business associates. They sought to re-shape its identity into a center for arts and commerce.
However, they faced the difficult task of refurbishing an iconic building without tarnishing its historic charm. Yet, despite the difficulties laid before them, the new owners were able to quickly enact their vision for this revamped space with a grand re-opening in November of 1973. The newly-renovated Old McHenry County Courthouse and Jail became home to art galleries and a restaurant without compromising its design, qualifying it for historic status. By November of 1974, it became officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Interested in the Courthouse's past? Stroll through the articles below!
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