(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Board of Commissioners is seeking proposals from private firms to redevelop and manage the historic Steuben County Courthouse.
The 1868 courthouse at 55 South Public Square has been vacant since county offices and courts moved into the Steuben County Judicial Center in 2024.
In a public notice, commissioners said the selected firm could be responsible for property development and redevelopment, interior renovation, property management, tenant recruitment, rent collection, maintenance coordination, regulatory compliance and financial oversight.
Proposals must include a development and management plan, a project timeline, estimated improvement costs and a description of how the building's architectural and historical integrity would be preserved.
The Herald Republican reports commissioners were presented with a courthouse reuse study in March 2025. The concept included a restaurant on the first floor, event space in the historic courtroom and bed-and-breakfast units within the building. Plans for the courtyard included a pavilion, fire pit, additional seating, shade structures and flexible green space.
Proposals are due to the Steuben County Auditor's Office by noon on July 31.
Commissioners are scheduled to open the proposals during their Aug. 4 meeting. The proposals will then be taken under advisement for further review before a final decision is made.