The Kenosha County Courthouse restoration is complete, and the results are remarkable. After more than a year of careful work, the historic Ceremonial Courtroom has been restored to closely reflect its original 1925 design. Court proceedings are expected to return to the restored space this August, allowing judges, attorneys, jurors, and visitors to experience one of Kenosha County’s architectural treasures once again.

Camosy Construction was proud to serve as Construction Manager on this once-in-a-generation restoration project. While many construction projects focus on building something new, this project focused on protecting history while updating the courtroom to serve future generations.

Restoring a Historic Landmark

Over the years, many of the courtroom’s original features had been hidden from view. A drop ceiling installed in 1966 covered the decorative ceiling, stained glass skylight, ornamental plasterwork, and the Abraham Lincoln quotations that circle the room. The restoration carefully removed those later additions and revealed details that had been hidden for decades.

Today, visitors can once again appreciate the colorful stained glass, restored decorative finishes, detailed plasterwork, and craftsmanship that made the courtroom one of the most impressive public spaces in Kenosha County when it first opened more than 100 years ago.

Although the room now looks much as it did in 1925, it has also been updated with modern mechanical systems, courtroom technology, audiovisual equipment, and infrastructure needed to support today’s judicial system. The project successfully balanced historic preservation with the practical needs of a modern courthouse.

Camosy Construction’s Role

Historic restoration projects require careful planning and close coordination. Every decision must protect the building’s original character while allowing skilled trades to complete highly specialized restoration work.

As Construction Manager, Camosy Construction coordinated the many teams involved throughout the project. Preservation specialists restored decorative painting, ornamental plaster, and stained glass while construction crews completed building upgrades that allow the courtroom to continue serving the public for many years to come.

This project was especially meaningful for the Camosy team. Senior Project Manager Bob Nikolai and Senior Field Superintendent Mark Vidas came out of retirement to help lead the work. Their decades of construction experience and attention to detail helped guide one of the company’s most unique restoration projects.

“It’s been an honor to help restore one of Kenosha County’s most historic spaces. This project preserves an important part of our community’s history while ensuring the Ceremonial Courtroom can continue serving future generations, and we’re proud to have played a role in bringing it back to life.”

— John Camosy, President & CEO, Camosy Construction

Preserving History While Preparing for the Future

Historic preservation is about more than saving old buildings. It protects the craftsmanship, architecture, and stories that help define a community. Projects like the Kenosha County Courthouse restoration allow future generations to experience these spaces while ensuring they remain safe, functional, and accessible.

The restoration brought together county leaders, private donors, preservation experts, specialty artisans, architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Working together, the team carefully restored architectural details that had been hidden for decades while making thoughtful improvements that will serve the courthouse well into the future.

Building Community Through Preservation

Construction often focuses on what’s next, but sometimes the most meaningful work is preserving what already exists. Restoring historic buildings requires patience, craftsmanship, and respect for the people who originally built them.

The Kenosha County Courthouse restoration stands as an excellent example of how historic preservation and modern construction can work together. The restored Ceremonial Courtroom now serves as both a functional courtroom and a reminder of Kenosha County’s rich history.

Camosy Construction is honored to have served as Construction Manager for this landmark project. Helping preserve one of Kenosha County’s most recognizable public spaces reflects our long-standing commitment to quality construction, community partnerships, and preserving buildings that matter.

Learn More: Read the full announcement from Kenosha County about the Ceremonial Courtroom restoration.

Kenosha County News Release – Ceremonial Courtroom Restoration