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August 18, 2006 -The Gazette-Virginian
ARCHITECURAL FOOTPRINT – Construction workers discovered a 25-foot section of granite walkway in front of Garland’s Jewelry in downtown Halifax this week. Architectural historians speculate the walkway had been laid out as an approach to Halifax Courthouse.
Next On Agenda, Removal Of Main Street Utility Poles, Courthouse Square Renovation
Piles of ripped up pavement, bulldozers, backhoes and long lines of cars, logging trucks and 18-wheelers packed Halifax’s Main Street yesterday as Virginia-Carolina Paving and assorted construction workers continued the town renovation assault.
Open surface cuts for fiber optic conduit and installation of storm water drains were under way, but town officials said yesterday that they expect two-lane traffic in the town to resume quickly.
“Travel lanes are always opened completely when crews finish work each day,” said Town Manager Carl Espy. He noted that one more day of single-lane traffic may be required within the next week to 10 days but that advanced notification would be made promptly.
During road work, parking for downtown customers is available on Houston Street or for those seeking court services, the public parking lot at the lower end of the Blue Ridge Jail parking lot is open.
While taking up concrete sidewalks this week, construction workers discovered a 25-ft. section of granite walkway in front of Garland’s Jewelry. Architectural historians speculate the walkway had been laid out as an approach to Halifax Courthouse, which was built in 1838 by master builder Dabney Cosby Sr. and his son, Dabney Minor Cosby. The senior Cosby worked with Thomas Jefferson on the construction of the University of Virginia. He also participated in the design and construction of courthouses in Goochland, Lunenburg, Sussex and other counties.
Hill Studio architectural historians recommended the granite walkway pattern be documented, then removed for use during the Courthouse Square renovation project, which is Phase III of the Halifax Downtown Revitalization Master Plan funded through a VDOT Enhancement Grant award.
Next on the town’s agenda is the removal of Main Street utility poles to Houston Street, which is located immediately behind Main Street.
Espy said yesterday that the town is seeking Virginia Historic District designation for Courthouse Square and surrounding areas. In pursuit of that goal, the town is working with Hill Studio, the Department of Historic Resources and the Halifax County Historical Society
During major road projects, Halifax police recommend motorists who are not doing business downtown may avoid traveling through the project by using Cowford Road to Golf Course Road or Love Shop Road. Motorists on the west side may use Sinai Road to Green’s Folly Road.