Elected officials and representatives from the region gathered on the steps of the former Ashe Street Courthouse Thursday to cut the ribbon on a completely refurbished building.
Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy thanked the Washington County Commission, Johnson City Commission, state representatives Tim Hicks and Rebecca Alexander and Governor Bill Lee for sharing the vision to see the value of renovating the former county-owned building which first opened to the public in 1910.
In addition to thanking the County Commission for their foresight in turning the facility over to Johnson City, Grandy thanked the many people who came together including Walnut Street businesses, Tree Street residents and former Johnson City Mayor Joe Wise who coordinated efforts with the state of Tennessee, surrounding businesses and West Walnut Street corridor neighbors. The State supplied $5 million in renovation funding to return the building to its highest and best use.
Washington County Commissioners protected the integrity of the structure by approving the investment in the roof repair and working with the Heritage Alliance for the building’s state historic designation.
The newly renovated building is scheduled to house high tech entrepreneurs and rural health innovation.