Jeff Merwin, with Etzel Masonry, cuts brick Friday as part of work around the Butler County Government Center.

BUTLER — The noise and dust behind the courthouse will result in a new and improved exterior on the County Government Center.

That's the word from John Campbell, director of county facilities and operation, on the $3.5 million project to replace much of the building's facade.

The facelift became necessary when it was discovered that the exterior beige panels were deteriorating from the inside.

Campbell said the large brick planter at the entrance, which occupied too much space at the busiest part of the building, has been removed and will not return.

It will be decided after completion of the project whether metal benches or another feature will be added at the entry, he said.

Regarding the brick wall along South Jackson Street, Campbell said it will be torn down and a wall that replaces it will be resurfaced using the same brick as that on the building's surface.

The top of the new wall will only rise to the walkway surface, and a handrail will be installed. The current wall, which is partially disassembled, rises about three feet above the walkway.

Campbell said the pillars near the entrance that hold up the third story of the building have been stripped down to the concrete and will be resurfaced with brick on their entire length.

Campbell hopes to have the concrete work in the sidewalks and front entryway done before the winter.

He also hopes to have the masonry done by that time.

Campbell said construction crews have not run into any unforeseen conditions that will significantly impact the project's budget.

“Not so far,” he said.

Campbell could not predict when the project will be complete, as it is based on unknown factors.

“It depends on the panel manufacturing and the severity of the winter,” he said. “If it's brutal like in 2015, with subzero temperatures, the guys can't work.”

He said there has been some complaining about the saws, jackhammers and other noisy equipment used each weekday by the crews.

“There's the usual wailing and lamenting, but it's a temporary inconvenience for a permanent improvement,” Campbell said.

Uhl Construction of Allison Park is the prime contractor for the job.

“We're knocking along,” Campbell said of the work.

County Commissioner Kim Geyer said Uhl Construction, Campbell and everyone involved in the project have been easy to work with.

“The construction is moving forward,” Geyer said. “There haven't been any problems.”

Preparation work for the project began in early August.