LOUDON, Tn (WATE) - LOUDON, Tenn. (WATE) - Sitting in the middle of Loudon, a reminder of the April fire that destroyed the Loudon County Courthouse. The historic landmark, the 5th oldest courthouse in Tennessee, according to the county's mayor. 

As it burned, spectators gathered on the street to watch. Then, in the following days, sharing their concerns about the future of the courthouse while creating the campaign "#LoudonStrong". 

Buddy Bradshaw, Loudon County Mayor, says plans are already in the works to rebuild and restore the courthouse to its former glory. That includes adding fire suppression and safety features to the inside of the building, while at the same time, keeping the original exterior as it was before the fire. 

"I call it the heartbeat of our county. The goal is to refurbish this building, make it whole again, and make it relevant," said Bradshaw. 

Bradshaw says plans will officially move forward after the insurance review is complete. He's hopeful, based on what reviews have showed, that the structure is stable enough to support the rebuild. 

"We want our courthouse to look like the day it caught fire, that's the goal," said Bradshaw. 

Turning a "negative into a double positive," for Bradshaw, that means building a new courthouse annex on the riverfront in Loudon. 

The goal of the new courthouse annex is to modernize courtrooms, security, and the day-to-day operations of the courthouse. 

These renderings are set to be unveiled in a preliminary state at the end of the month. 

Inside the courthouse, ideas for the space are currently being discussed. Including turning part of the building into event space, offices, or a museum. 

These ideas, however, preliminary and "fluid", according to Bradshaw. 

Loudon county residents say the idea to keep the courthouse as-is, an important requirement for the rebuild. 

"I would rather see it go back as was... if possible," said Patricia Waddell, born and raised in Loudon. 

Waddell said she remembers the courthouse as a child, hosting Fourth of July events in the yard. She says she hopes the restoration brings back events that highlight the rebuilt space. 

"I'd like to see them build it back, if nothing else as a museum, then build annex as a court," said David Waddell. 

Others say although the items inside can't be salvaged, keeping the nearly 200-year-old building in the town center is imperative. 

 "Anything to keep it in Loudon... it's been here for 150 years or so, it's part of the story here," said Ty Mathis. 

Moving forward, Bradshaw says citizens can voice their opinions or learn more about suggested plans for the courthouse rebuild and new annex during county commission meetings. 

Loudon Co. Mayor: "We're going to rebuild her"

LOUDON COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Loudon County Mayor Buddy Bradshaw said that preliminary findings from the structural engineer says they will be able to use the framework of the historic Loudon County courthouse.

“That old building is solid, and we’re gonna keep her there and rebuild her,” Bradshaw said.

They can keep the outside look of the historic courthouse, rebuilding with that framework. He says most of the walls are 3 feet thick, made of solid brick, there was no wood involved in the infrastructure of decades old courthouse.

Bradshaw says they plan to redo the old courtroom on the second floor as a multipurpose room. People will be able to use it as a venue to host group meetings, weddings, and other events. He also hopes to host county commission meetings there once renovations are complete. The county is also considering moving some offices there to occupy the first floor.

Bradshaw said that there was asbestos in the building, they’ve had that taken care of.

They are in budget committee meetings Friday, and are looking at a second annex that will serve as the new courthouse. It will be built on the banks of the Tennessee River, adjacent to Loudon Police and Fire.

The planned site is where the Don P. Smith Chair company use to be. Bradshaw says the land is currently owned by the City of Loudon, and they are planning to give the land to the county for the new courthouse annex.

The annex will be a new modern energy efficient courthouse “bringing it into this century.” Bradshaw said “We envision something as you cross the Tennessee river you’ll be able to see that courthouse and that’s really going to catch your eye as you come into Loudon.”

Loudon County plans to start restoration as soon as they get the final report from structural engineer and insurance money. They hope to break ground on new courthouse annex by the end of the year. “We’re looking to really move,” Bradshaw said.

He said don’t have any idea of the cost for either project at this time. “Were going to turn this negative into hopefully two positives,” Bradshaw said.

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The mayor of Loudon County says it could take millions of dollars and three years to renovate the Loudon County Courthouse after it was destroyed in a fire on the night of April 23.

Mayor Buddy Bradshaw says the courthouse, built in 1872, is a total loss, and it could take up to three years and millions of dollars to get the building up and running again.

"This is heartbreaking," Bradshaw said. "This was just a staple of Loudon County."

However, Bradshaw said at a press conference on Wednesday, "We're going to rebuild."

Early estimates suggest that the building is a total loss, and investigators have not been able to get into the building due to safety issues.

"Part of the struggle moving forward," the mayor said, is that so much of the building and its contents were original.