ACMAC begins phase 2 of Old Archer County Jail project
The Archer County Museum and Arts Center has begun phase 2 of its restoration of the old Archer County Jail which includes the replacement of the building’s roof.
Phase 2 will ensure the jail is weather-tight and will cost the non-profit organization a total of $250,000. Work began on the building a few days after Christmas.
“We have enough funds to replace the roof and add a gutter system,” ACMAC Executive Director Callie Lawson said. “Further down the road we will replace the windows and doors too.”
Phase 1, which consisted of tying the walls into the steel structure and bracing the roof, cost $180,000 and was completed in May of 2024.
“Our architects have suggested that the actual jail cells would've come out of a Sears and Roebuck style catalog. During construction, they would've built the first-floor dwelling, assembled the cell on top of that and built the walls around it, then did the same thing on the third floor and capped with the roof,” Lawson said previously about Phase 1. “It has become apparent that they did not tie in the walls to the steel structure or the concrete slabs. We plan on installing 50 angles to connect the walls to the concrete flooring. We will also be installing two steel columns, one on the north side and one on the south side of the building.”
Since the building is on the National Registry of Historic Places and has a State Antiquities Landmark designation, all work has to be approved by the Texas Historical Commission. While ACMAC wanted to return the roof to its original design with corner towers and parapets, the THC mandated that it be restored to its current style.
“Fortunately, a synthetic alternative tile is available that will replicate the previous style but at a fraction of the weight, which had caused many issues within the building,” Lawson said. “We are so excited for the forward progress on the jail and have so many to thank for their support! ACMAC has received support locally and from J.S. Bridwell Foundation, Fain Foundation, Texas Historical Foundation, and Royal Bingo Kinder Fund.”
For more information on the project or how to donate, contact Callie Lawson at director@theacmac.org.
