Allen County Commissioners are getting ready to construct a new administration building downtown.
Demolition is expected to begin this spring on the buildings at the southwest corner of Main and North to make way for a new Allen County administration building. During their annual State of the County speech to Rotary, the Allen County Commissioners told us that the $16.9 million building will hold such offices as the treasurer, auditor, recorder and others which are currently housed in the courthouse. The courthouse, which was built in 1881, would then be remodeled. "What our plan is for the courthouse is to put all county courts within that building. So basically a one stop shop for all our courts," said Commissioner Brian Winegardner. Construction of the new building is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Commissioners also told us they are also planning to renovate the Savings Building on the corner of West Market and North Elizabeth streets, which houses the Allen County Child Support Enforcement Agency. Commissioner Cory Noonan added that the commissioners are very proud that the county has no debt. The new building is being funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The county expects to borrow funds to pay for the renovation of the Savings Building and the courthouse.
