EDGARD — Parish leaders and construction administrators are celebrating the renovated St. John Parish Courthouse in Edgard.

“This renovation project was long overdue, but was difficult to complete with a fully operating courthouse,” Parish President Natalie Robottom said. “Utilizing a variety of funding sources, including the 2009 Bond Issue, this $2.3 million project was completed with no increase in taxes to residents.”

Construction on the project began in December 2013 and was delayed, Robottom’s office said, because of unforeseen conditions related to the age of the building.

Robottom, along with Division A Councilman-at-Large Lucien Gauff, District 1 Councilman and numerous courthouse staff members, celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony last week at the courthouse.

Also on hand for the celebration were representatives from Chenevert Architects, Foret Contracting Group and community members. Renovations included construction of a new juvenile services wing with a secured courtyard and parking lot, a secured entrance for inmate transfers, new security cameras, restroom and break room upgrades and aesthetic improvements throughout the facility.

The air conditioning units are also being replaced.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve St. John Parish and work on such an important project to the community,” said Mark Baum, Chenevert Architects, who designed and managed construction of the renovations.

Benton Foret of Foret Contracting said the success of any project is the result of a dedicated team.

“Remodeling the courthouse while maintaining utilization of the building was a challenge, and I thank the staff and employees who worked with us along the way,” Foret said.

Residents are invited to visit the courthouse during business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“This is a modernized facility on the West Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish for customers, residents and courthouse employees to enjoy,” Gauff said. “This project was needed, and I thank all the stakeholders and partners involved in the project for working together.”

Smith said it is a pleasure to see the building complete and compliant.