River building rehab costlier than expected

By Charlie Denison, editor

November 23, 2022

79657a03efdd7e3b36e8a2e21d3ed6c8 — The cost of renovations to host the Public Health Department in the River is estimated at close to $2 million. (Charlie Denison/The Monitor).

There was a small turnout at the Nov. 15 Jefferson County Commission meeting, but those in attendance were audibly surprised when Commissioner Cory Kirsch announced the estimate he received for renovations and rehabilitation to turn the River building on 104 N. Main Street into a new, larger location for the Public Health Office.

The cost? Close to $2 million.

“It’s a little overwhelming,” said Kirsch. “The architect pretty much figured it’d cost about $200 per square foot for reconstruction, and we’ve got 5,000 square feet in that building.”