Green Lake County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Green Lake County Courthouse
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Green Lake County Courthouse
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 492 Hill Street, Green Lake, Wisconsin |
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| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Built | 1899 |
| Architect | William Waters |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| MPS | County Courthouses of Wisconsin TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 82000672 |
| Added to NRHP | March 9, 1982 |
The Green Lake County Courthouse in Green Lake, Wisconsin, United States, is a very old and important building. For many years, it was the main place where the government of Green Lake County worked.
This historic building was finished in 1899. It cost about $25,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then! Today, it is no longer used as a courthouse. Instead, it has been given a new life as the Town Square Community Center.
The courthouse is recognized for its history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This list includes buildings and places that are important to the history of the United States.
Contents
The Green Lake County Courthouse: A Historic Building
The Green Lake County Courthouse has a long and interesting story. It served its community for over a century. Now, it continues to be a central part of Green Lake.
What is a Courthouse?
A courthouse is a special building where important government work happens. It's where legal decisions are made. Judges, lawyers, and other officials work there. They help make sure laws are followed. Courthouses are also places where people can go for official county business.
A Look Back: Its History
The Green Lake County Courthouse was built a long time ago, in 1899. For many years, it was the heart of Green Lake County's government. All sorts of important meetings and decisions took place inside its walls. It was a busy place where the county's future was shaped.
Who Built It?
The person who designed this grand building was an architect named William Waters. Architects are like artists who design buildings. William Waters created a building that would stand strong for many years.
What Does it Look Like?
The courthouse was built in a style called Neoclassical. This style is inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings. You can see this in its features. For example, it has a "pedimented portico." This means it has a grand entrance with columns. Above the columns, there is a triangular section, like the roof of a Greek temple. This style makes the building look very important and strong.
From Courthouse to Community Hub
In 2011, the county government moved to a new building. This left the old courthouse empty. But instead of tearing it down, people decided to give it a new purpose. This is called "adaptive reuse." It means finding a new use for an old building.
In 2012, the old courthouse became the Town Square Community Center. Now, it's a place for everyone in the community. People can come here for different activities. It might host classes, events, or meetings. It's a great example of how old buildings can be saved and used in new ways.
