Work starts on old jail sallyport

Robbie Pauley applies pressure to the concrete coring machine as he and a co-worker sever 8" circumference openings that will be used to shore up the building as they cut an opening large enough to drive a vehicle through. This is part of the work being done by Prost Builders and sub-contractors to renovate the sallyport at the old Cole County Jail.
Robbie Pauley applies pressure to the concrete coring machine as he and a co-worker sever 8" circumference openings that will be used to shore up the building as they cut an opening large enough to drive a vehicle through. This is part of the work being done by Prost Builders and sub-contractors to renovate the sallyport at the old Cole County Jail.

Prost Builders is making renovations to the sallyport at the old Cole County Jail, behind the county courthouse.

Prost was the low bidder among six bids on the project, coming in at $229,556.

The project architect, Architects Alliance, had estimated the work would cost $252,300.

The plan calls for: making an opening in the existing north exterior wall; removing the existing freezer, cooler and non-load bearing walls and kitchen equipment; modifying water lines to the existing heating and cooling system; and providing supplemental heating in the garage space.

New interior and exterior lighting will be added along with new power to the garage door. There also will be exterior, vehicle-exiting warning lights at the alley.

The project will be funded through capital improvements money in the county's law enforcement fund.