Work continues at old jail

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Dave Maurer of St. John installs a new window at the old Lake County Jail in Crown Point as other volunteers look on. The window replacement project is part of the ongoing renovation of the jail and adjoining sherrif's house. | Photo provided

Volunteers at the Old Sheriff’s House and Jail are working year-round to accomplish projects related to the buildings’ renovation.

Currently volunteers are finishing the installation of the windows in the first-floor 1909 addition of the jail.

Volunteers began by carefully removed sashes from the window frames. The sashes, frames and hardware were tagged and documented for original color and finish.

The pieces of hardware were organized and sent to other volunteers for cleaning. The frames were then repaired, sanded and painted to match the original color used in 1909.

Mark Lasik, a resident of Crown Point and a volunteer who is managing the project, has been working on the installation since August 2010.

The broken panes in the window sashes have been replaced by Garry Knesek, owner of Old Green Shutters Antiques in Crown Point.

“I wanted to help the building from deteriorating so I donated my time and labor to help out,” Knesek said.

Since March 2011, there have been 180 panes of glass installed, six panes per sash.

The focus for the past five years has been to weatherproof the house and jail. Moisture has been a major concern of the Old Sheriff’s House Foundation, and the window project will help solve that problem.

Foundation president John Heidbreder said the safety and public use of the building makes adequate lighting and heat another current goal.

“This would enable us to provide tours all year with heat, and the house could be used for more public use,” Heidbreder said.

Lasik, who is finishing his senior year in construction management at Purdue University Calumet, said more volunteer work will help finish the projects quickly.

“I think this is a great way for students or anyone really, to get involved,” he said, “You don’t need a bunch of skills to do something good. I’ve had volunteers help me with this project who are accountants, EMT’s, students, business owners, all with the common goal to help preserve this historic building.”

Dave Maurer of St. John has worked on the window rehabilitation.

“It is a chance to give back to the community,” he said. “This building is an important part of the area.”

Volunteers will continue through the winter months focusing on moisture control and preservation of the 1926 first-floor cell block made famous in 1934 by John Dillinger.