Photo courtesy of Somerset County, N.J.
Preserving historic courthouses, such as this one in
Somerset County, N.J. - dedicated in 1909 - will be the main theme of a
two-day conference sponsored by the American Institute of Architects, Nov.
7-9, in Hamilton County, Ohio.
From New England to California and beyond the mainland shores, every county has one. In Ohio, as in many of the states carved out of the Northwest Territory, they range from small, "first generation" federal-style buildings built in the early days of statehood to multistory modern towers. These buildings, often done by local architects in vernacular modifications to Greek Revival or Neoclassical or other styles, symbolize the essence of our democracy, pride in our counties, and our unparalleled system of justice.
The county courthouse allowed each county, no matter how far they may be physically from the greatness of Ancient Greece or Rome, to have part of that great legal and public tradition.
The county courthouse has always served as the focus of civic pride and a gathering space for patriotic activities. Moreover, the courthouse and activity of county government, has been the mainstay of many county seat cities.
According to a late 19th century history of Brown County, Ohio, "In all new counties, the location of the county seat is a matter generally of deep personal concern as well as widespread and intensive excitement." The reason, of course, for this excitement was the virtual guarantee of growth and prosperity as the town became the governmental and commercial center of the county. More than one intracounty battle was fought over the location of the county seat.
It is no wonder then that as counties grew and services expanded, a true civic architecture evolved, especially as evidenced by the quality of county courthouses built between the Civil War and World War I. These buildings were truly representative of the people they served, as reported in a Madison County, Ohio newspaper in 1892, "The new temple of justice is indeed a noble, magnificent structure - a veritable palace of beauty ... the citizens may feel justly proud of the edifice which stands as a monument to the enterprise, progress and liberality of one of the best and fairest counties of the Buckeye state."
These symbolic structures have gone through some difficult times. Most were built before modern life-safety codes, before increased awareness and concern for people with disabilities, and in many cases, before rural counties became urban. Many courthouse are more than 100 years old - their systems are outdated or they have been insensitively remodeled. There are instances where beautiful wooden floors were covered with asbestos-ridden tiles or grand public spaces became reduced in scale (and importance) as elevators or HVAC systems were installed.
In a number of cases, population growth and a rise in caseloads have rendered them too small, and in almost every case, security is inadequate for contemporary use. Perhaps more than any other factor, technology has had a great impact on these structures. Built during the age of the Pony Express, in use during the Space Age, these buildings must now anticipate what The Jetsons only dreamed about.
Simultaneous to these physical changes, many social changes occurred that tarnished these "temples of justice." To look back at our recent past and see the popular distrust in our judicial system, it is no wonder why destroying public spaces in courthouses was not of concern to the public.
For many a trip to the courthouse was not a cause for celebration, but rather for consternation. The dignity of the courthouse was at a nadir and the physical changes made to them served to reinforce this societal ennui.
But that philosophy has been changing for some time. Courthouses, designed and built to serve the public, are again being returned to the public realm. Historic county court houses, perhaps more than any other facility, are once again places where local events are celebrated and where the public can interact, and places that are the centerpieces of Main Street redevelopments and a source of community pride.
The public is working to again recapture its political clout and its public buildings. While a lot of headway has been gained, still more must be done with these buildings so that they may continue their role in administering county government while being places for public interaction.
On Nov. 79, architects, county commissioners and supervisors, judges, administrators, preservationists, and others interested in the future of our historic county courthouse will convene in Hamilton County, Ohio for the Historic County Courthouse Conference, sponsored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Among AIA's many goals is one to examine methods by which the modern courthouse can regain the luster it was intended to possess. Increasingly, we see that the incorporation of modern systems, security requirements and accessibility are not at odds with the public courthouse. Join us in Cincinnati at this national gathering to actually "teach an old dog new tricks."
For more information on the Historic County Courthouse Conference, call the AIA information line at 800/242-3837.
( Loversidge is vice president of Schooley Caldwell Associates in
Columbus, Ohio.)