Chittenden County Superior Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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U.S. Post Office and Custom House
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2011 photo
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | 175 Main Street Burlington, Vermont |
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| Built | 1906 |
| Architect | James Knox Taylor |
| Architectural style | Beaux-Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000114 |
| Added to NRHP | November 21, 1972 |
The Chittenden County Superior Courthouse is an important old building in downtown Burlington, Vermont. It stands at 175 Main Street. This building was finished in 1906. It was designed by James Knox Taylor in a special style called Beaux-Arts.
This building has had many uses over the years. It started as a post office and a custom house. A custom house is where officials checked goods coming into the country. Later, in the 1970s, it was known as the Smith-Goldberg U.S. Army Reserve Center. Today, it is home to the Chittenden County Superior Court. This happened after the old county courthouse was damaged in a fire in 1982.
Contents
Discovering the Courthouse Building
The Chittenden County Superior Courthouse is located in the heart of Burlington. You can find it at the corner of Church and Main Streets. It is a large building made of stone. The outside is covered in beautiful marble and cut granite.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The front of the building faces Main Street. It has five main sections. The first floor looks like a strong base. It has big blocks of marble laid in rows. The windows on this floor have a special arched design.
The second and third floors are shaped like a "U." They have tall windows on the second floor and shorter ones on the third. These windows are decorated with pairs of Ionic columns. These are tall, fancy pillars. The top of the building has a decorative band and a low railing.
A Look at the Building's Past
The United States government built this facility in 1906. It is one of the best examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in Vermont. This style is known for being grand and classical.
How the Building Was Used Over Time
For many years, until 1972, this building served several important roles. It was a place where people sent and received mail as a post office. It also worked as a custom house. Plus, it was a federal courthouse, where legal cases for the federal government were handled.
From 1963 to 1972, it was also used by the U.S. Army Reserve. It was called the Smith-Goldberg Army Reserve Center. In 1972, the government decided they no longer needed the building. So, in 1974, Chittenden County bought it.
Today, the building is a busy place for legal matters. It houses the Chittenden County Superior Court. This court handles many important legal tasks for the county.
Images for kids
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The previous U. S. Custom House, front on Church Street, Burlington, Vermont (1901)
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The western facade in 2013
