NORWICH – While an official open house won’t be held until the second week in March, 31 employees of the Chenango County Department of Social Services have moved across Court Street to their newly-completed West Park Place office building.

Formerly the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and Corrections, the facility was refurbished and separated into two buildings by taking out the century-old jail cell structure in between. They were then re-connected by glass-enclosed walkways, an elevator and other modern features. Period architectural elements were preserved where possible.

The work by John Snyder Architects of Ithaca included replacing the crumbling columns, porches and porticos of the 1930s-era sheriff’s office, a new roof and windows, masonry repairs and interior renovations the created multiple offices, lobbies and restrooms.

The $2.3 million building project was begun a year ago. There were three months worth of delays caused by excess foundation water, a crumbling rear support wall and changing regulations involving emergency management communications systems and emergency egresses. However, the project’s budgeted amount stayed on target.