Juniata County Courthouse
Mifflintown, PA
The Juniata County Courthouse in Mifflintown, PA offers a glimpse into the past with its classic architecture, however in the past several decades it had fallen into severe disrepair. Using the latest in restoration methods, architect Norm Benfer and Crabtree Rohrbach Architects were able to design and replicate a beautiful exterior—using materials that will preserve it for future generations. Benfer specified AZEK Trim, a cellular PVC material that resists moisture, to restore the clock and bell tower, which is not only easy to shape into historic profiles, it’s a dead ringer for the real thing!
"We found dry rot, joints pulling apart and past sloppy attempts to hold things together with spit and glue," said Benfer. "The AZEK material was a great solution for replacing the wood damaged by the elements, and it will hold up for many decades without needing maintenance." Some of the damage and off-center fixes were potentially dangerous, according to Benfer. Using historic photos and working closely with CH&E Construction's Architectural Millwork Shop in Lancaster, PA, a millwork shop with a knack for replicating historic structures, Benfer was able to design the tower with reinforced bracing for safety and beautify the exterior trim with various custom AZEK profiles.
Architect: Crabtree Rohrbaugh and Associates - Mechanicsburg, PA
