Lincoln County Courthouse The Lincoln County Courthouse in Wiscasset, built in 1824, is one of the oldest courts in the country to have held sessions continuously since its construction. (Photo Barbara Martin)

The staff at the Lincoln County Courthouse in Wiscasset has been working among the ruins for months. They have shared their workspace with construction workers who are striving to gracefully upgrade the historical landmark for efficient use in the 21 st century.

But, according to County Administrator Jim McMahon, the future is nearly here with his expectation that the work will be completed by the end of the year.

The courthouse was built in 1824. A copy of a pamphlet called "Wiscasset Invites You" says, "The Courthouse is believed to be the oldest building now used in the United States, continually used for holding court. It has an historical background second to none."

McMahon said it took over 20 years to prepare the plans to update the building, both inside and out. Let's face it - attempting to modernize an historical treasure is a bit more difficult than expanding a fading fast food restaurant.

The Courthouse is home to the Superior, Probate and District Courts, the offices of the District Attorney, Clerk of Courts, Register of Deeds, Register of Probate, County Treasurer and Commissioners, the law library, and the Court Security Office.

Along with the courthouse, two other buildings are located on the county complex, housing the 911 communications center and the sheriff's office.

The county owns the courthouse, while the state service providers (with the exception of the Superior Court) lease space from the county. The Superior Court was given jurisdiction by the legislature in the late 1970's to possess their part of the courthouse by "operation of law."

"This is a joint county and state project, and it is a win-win situation for everyone," McMahon said. "We have had a good working relationship with the state."

So what can the staff and public expect to get from all this effort and planning besides wood shavings and sheetrock dust?

"One thing that was truly needed was an updated telephone system. We couldn't even talk to each other within the county complex previously. Now, staff can communicate, and the public will have the ability to use voice mail and other modern conveniences," McMahon said… just like calling Mom."

The courtyard entrance at the back of the building has been closed for several months. Those who use the adjoining parking lot were a little put out that they had to trudge around to the front entrance. But the good news is that contractors have installed a glycol-based heating system, which translates into a warm surface - no-one will skate through court this winter.

Other changes involve consolidating and moving offices to maximize on space and the efficient delivery of services. The District and Superior Court Clerk's Office will now be joined and located on the second floor of the building with the respective courtrooms and judge's offices. The Court Security Office will also be located on that floor.

The law library will be moved to the basement, which will make it handicap accessible. The Probate Court and Registry of Deeds will be on the first floor with the District Attorney's Office and the County Offices.

Jim McMahon isn't complaining about his change in offices. "I was previously located in a closet in the basement. My new office is actually in the oldest part of the courthouse. It's a lot like going back in time," he said.

Walking through the halls of justice in Wiscasset this summer has included sights and sounds more commonly found on a construction site. However, not one dusty staff person at the courthouse was complaining, although a few patrons might have been less patient.

But the end is near, and even in Maine, time and needed improvements wait for no man.