GAINESVILLE, TX - "We're painting, doing finish out, punch out trying to get everybody ready to move in," said Scott Carlile, superintendent for J.C. Stoddard, the company contracted to restore the Cooke County courthouse in Gainesville.

Carlile said after a little over a year on the job he knows firsthand how much work a project like this takes. "A bunch. Tear them apart, save all the little pieces, all the historical stuff, refurbish it and put it back together."

Monday morning, Judge Roane and the county commissioners approved finishing details on the construction and preparing for the big move. "We voted today to go ahead and drop our leases on leased property that we have around Gainesville here in the area," Roane said.

About 20 percent of the restoration costs were paid for by the county over a period of eight years. The other 80 percent was covered through a large grant from the Texas Historical Commission, who is there to ensure authenticity.

Carlile said, "we have a lot of help from the architect and the state historical society. With all their input it just kind of comes together."

The original Cooke County courthouse was built sometime between the 4th of July and December 18th of 1911. Next month the county will not only be dedicating their brand new courthouse, they'll also be celebrating its 100th birthday.

Roane said, "it's been the center of activities in Cooke County and in many cases our families activities. So from that standpoint, it's been very good to have it come back on the 100-year anniversary and very meaningful at the same time."

Judge Roane said the county is anxiously anticipating what was once old being made new again. "Hope everybody comes to see us when we rededicate and celebrate our 100-year anniversary on the 12th of November at 1:00."

Everything from the paint colors to the configuration in the courtrooms will be just like it was in 1911. The only changes to the courthouse are to comply with OSHA, ADA and other safety and security boards.

The rededication and centennial anniversary of the Cooke County Courthouse will be Saturday, November 12th, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. on the courthouse steps. Tours, refreshments and music will all be provided.