Grants are helping to preserve our Saline County Courthouse. Last year, it was the roof. This year, it’s a few things, including the bell tower.
READ MORE BELOW
Saline County has been awarded a $137,000 grant from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) through the County Courthouse Restoration Grant program. This funding will support the next phase of preservation efforts at the historic Saline County Courthouse, addressing exterior brick and mortar damage, structural repairs to the bell tower, and the installation of a new fire suppression system in the attic.
-
- Bell Tower Floor
-
- Bell Tower Steps
-
- Attic
-
- Exterior Bricks
“We are so grateful to be able to benefit from these grant dollars and see the tremendous steps we have been able to achieve through refurbishment and preservation,” said Matt Brumley, Saline County Judge. “Our commitment in preserving our 123 year old courthouse allows us to show off one of the most historic and beautiful buildings in the State.”
These critical improvements follow a major restoration effort completed last year using a grant from the same program. That phase included a full courthouse roof replacement, installation of new gutters on the original 1902 structure, soft washing the brick exterior, and the repair, replacement, and repainting of deteriorated wood fascia and trim. Additionally, Saline County is currently in the process of replacing the 20+ year-old electrical box system on the courthouse lawn to improve reliability and public safety.
Opened in 1902 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, the Saline County Courthouse is a proud symbol of the county’s history and commitment to public service. The building continues to serve as an active center for county government and a focal point of downtown Benton.
“County courthouses are more than centers of government—they are cornerstones of community life and shared history,” said Scott D. Kaufman, director of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. “Through this grant program, we’re proud to support Saline County’s continued investment in preserving the courthouse’s historic character while making critical updates that ensure it remains safe, functional, and accessible for years to come.”
The County Courthouse Restoration Grant Program, administered by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program under the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, plays a vital role in helping counties maintain and protect their most historic public buildings.
Saline County remains committed to preserving the architectural and cultural legacy of its courthouse while ensuring the safety and functionality of the building for future generations.
See the list of the events in Saline County, at www.mysaline.com/events
