PLYMOUTH — Washington County’s historic courthouse elevator is back in service after nearly five months of closure, and county leaders marked the milestone Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the elevator’s extensive modernization.

The elevator, which serves all facets of courthouse traffic, reopened last week following a restoration project that was funded through a Rural Economic Development Grant administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Main Street & Rural Planning Division. Washington County was awarded $468,209 through the program to help cover the cost of the work.

The project was carried out under the scrutiny of state historical preservation authorities, who inspected the elevator before the modernization began to ensure the work would honor the courthouse’s historic character.

Washington County Commission Chairman John Spruill welcomed a crowd of county officials, state representatives and community members to the courthouse steps for the occasion.

“Thank you all for joining us as we celebrate the completion of an important improvement to the Washington County Courthouse — the modernization of our courthouse elevator,” Spruill said.

Spruill said the completed project carries significance well beyond the construction itself.

“Today marks more than the completion of a construction project,” he said. “It represents our continued commitment to preserving this historic courthouse while ensuring it remains safe, accessible, and functional for everyone who visits and works here.”

The chairman was quick to note that the achievement was the product of a wide circle of support.

“This project would not have been possible without the support of many dedicated individuals and organizations,” Spruill said.

Among those he singled out for recognition was Sharon Smith of the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Main Street & Rural Planning Division, who traveled to Washington County for the ceremony.

“We are especially honored to welcome Sharon Smith from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Main Street & Rural Planning Division,” Spruill said. “We appreciate your attendance and the Department’s commitment to helping rural communities like Washington County invest in critical infrastructure.”

Spruill also thanked Lisa Rueh, another representative of the same division.

“We would also like to recognize Lisa Rueh with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Main Street & Rural Planning Division, for her support throughout this project,” he said.

Spruill detailed the funding that made the modernization possible.

“The modernization of our courthouse elevator was made possible through the Rural Economic Development Grant, administered by the Main Street & Rural Planning Division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce,” he said. “Washington County was awarded $468,209 through this program, providing the funding necessary to complete this significant improvement.”

The chairman extended thanks broadly to those who worked on the project, then turned to individual recognition.

“We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who played a role in making this project a success,” Spruill said.

He singled out Laurie Zoll, the county’s Grants and Procurement Director, for her work securing the funding that got the project off the ground.

“A special thank you goes to Laurie Zoll, whose hard work researching funding opportunities, preparing the grant application, and successfully securing the grant award made this project possible,” Spruill said.

Spruill also credited Ricky Young and the Washington County Maintenance Team for shepherding the work from beginning to end.

“We also recognize Ricky Young and the Washington County Maintenance Team for overseeing the project from start to finish and ensuring everything moved forward smoothly,” he said.

The chairman thanked the outside contractors who carried out the physical work of the modernization.

“Our thanks also go to J. Poole, the general contractor, for coordinating the project, and to Elevated Elevator, whose expertise and craftsmanship brought this modernization to completion,” Spruill said.

Reflecting on the scope of the effort, Spruill said the finished elevator stands as proof of what collaboration can accomplish.

“Projects like this require teamwork, dedication, and a shared vision, and today we celebrate the results of that collaborative effort,” he said.

He closed his remarks with a message of gratitude on behalf of the county.

“On behalf of the Washington County Board of Commissioners and the staff of Washington County, thank you to everyone who contributed to this project and to all of you for being here to celebrate this milestone with us,” Spruill said.

Spruill then invited the Board of Commissioners, Smith, Zoll, Young and other project partners to join him for the official ribbon cutting, bringing the ceremony — and the courthouse elevator project — to a close.

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