Support Columns at Miami Courthouse Need Repair

The structural columns in the basement of the 1925 Miami-Dade County Courthouse are being evaluated after an inspection showed evidence of "significant" deterioration.
 
The Miami Herald reports results of the tests will be ready by late February. Miriam Singer, the assistant director of Miami-Dade County's Internal Services Department, says the support columns will like need extensive repairs.
 
Singer and officials from U.S. Structures Inc. say the building remains safe for use. They only recommended closing the courthouse, which houses the county's civil court division, in the case of a hurricane.
 
The courthouse is considered one of the city's historic structures. It is undergoing a $30 million exterior renovation, which is needed to help seal the building from water intrusion.