Old Lexington Courthouse Closed Due To Lead Paint

LEXINGTON, Ky. -The old Fayette County Courthouse, home to three museums in downtown Lexington, will remain closed indefinitely because of deteriorating lead-based paint.

The historic former courthouse was closed on Friday.

An assessment of the building found lead dust on the floors and walls in the public areas, and deteriorated lead-based paint in the dome and basement, said Jamie Millard, president and CEO of the history museum.

Sally Hamilton, commissioner of general services, said lead-abatement contractors will be brought in to assess the cost of addressing the hazards from the lead paint.

The building was built in 1898 and served for a century as the Fayette County Courthouse.