(ANGOLA) - Steuben County officials say 2026 could bring long-awaited decisions on the future of the historic courthouse on Angola's Public Square, vacant since court offices moved out in July 2024.
President of the Steuben County Commissioners, Wil Howard, told the Steuben County Council that leaders expect movement on the building this year and that the council will be involved as plans move forward.
The county has already completed an adaptive reuse study with public input and local partners. The preferred concept would convert part of the building into a restaurant, keep the main courtroom for events, and add bed-and-breakfast-style lodging, along with upgrades to the surrounding courtyard.
Estimated costs total nearly $7 million. Officials have warned that delaying action could increase costs as the 1868 building continues to age. No funding decisions have been made.