The Thomas G. Abernethy Federal Building in Aberdeen, Mississippi, has reopened following extensive renovations aimed at removing mold, enhancing energy efficiency, and updating technology. Court proceedings resumed on Tuesday, as reported by the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. An official reopening ceremony for the 51-year-old building is scheduled for October 8th.
U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock expressed her relief at the reopening, likening the event to Christmas as staff unpacked newly updated facilities. Problems with poor air quality started about a decade ago, leading to employees falling ill. Despite temporary relief from commercial dehumidifiers installed by the General Services Administration, the musty odor persisted. The discovery of mold in late 2017 marked a turning point.
Following a public meeting to address the issues, court officials vacated the premises in February 2018. Subsequent inspections confirmed the building’s uninhabitable status due to mold infestation, which was found in air ducts and behind paneling. It was determined that the old windows were a significant source of water contributing to the mold.
During renovations, workers also discovered hidden windows behind bookcases in the offices of Judge Aycock and Senior U.S. District Judge Glen Davidson. Mold growth was rampant in these concealed areas. To address these issues, all old single-pane windows were replaced with energy-efficient models, and heating, cooling, and mechanical systems were upgraded.
Additionally, the refurbishment project included the installation of new computers, high-speed internet connections, security cameras, sound systems, and energy-efficient lighting. While court proceedings were temporarily relocated during the renovations, judges were impressed when returning to see the transformed space, which initially appeared as bare walls and ductwork.
Although the final cost of the renovations exceeds the $24 million budget allocation, the improvements aim to provide a safer and more efficient environment for court operations in Aberdeen.
