Livingston County Courthouse (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Livingston County Courthouse
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| Location | 200 E. Grand River Ave., Howell, Michigan |
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| Area | 1.4 acres (0.57 ha) |
| Built | 1889 |
| Architect | Albert E. French |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001031 |
| Added to NRHP | August 13, 1976 |
The Livingston County Courthouse is an important government building in Howell, Michigan. It's where many county offices are located and where important legal decisions are made. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 because of its special history and beautiful design.
Contents
History of the Courthouse
Early Days of Livingston County
The first European settlers arrived in what is now Livingston County, Michigan in the 1820s. The area grew quickly. In 1833, Livingston County was officially created. Its local government started working in 1836.
The small village of Howell was chosen as the county seat. This meant Howell would be the main town for the county government. It was picked because it was in the center of the county. However, some people living in the county didn't like this choice. For a while, the county had to rent rooms for its offices.
Building the First Courthouses
It wasn't until 1847 that the first county courthouse was built. This building served the county for many years. Then, in 1874, a new courthouse was constructed to replace the first one.
Why a New Courthouse Was Needed
By the early 1880s, county leaders realized the 1874 courthouse was too small. The county needed more space for its growing needs. They had to rent extra office space from nearby businesses. Also, people who were arrested had to be held in a jail in a different county, Shiawassee County.
So, the county's Board of Commissioners decided to build a new, bigger courthouse. Voters in the county approved the idea in 1889.
Designing and Building the Current Courthouse
The county hired Albert E. French, an architect from Detroit, to design the new building. Construction started in 1889 and was finished in 1890.
In the early 1970s, there was talk of replacing the courthouse again. But instead, the county decided to fix up and update the existing building. This way, the historic courthouse could continue to serve the community.
About the Courthouse Building
Outside the Building
The Livingston County Courthouse is a two-and-a-half-story building. It is made of brick. The bottom part, or half-basement, is made of rough stone blocks called limestone ashlar.
The building looks very balanced. It has five sections on its east and west sides. It has seven sections on its north and south sides. The three middle sections on the north and south stick out a little.
A band of limestone runs between the first and second floors. Limestone is also used for the arches above the entrances, the flat pieces above windows, and the window frames. The building has a roof with many gables and a central clock tower on top.
Inside the Building
Inside the courthouse, you can see beautiful woodwork made of oak and maple. The circuit courtroom is especially impressive. It still has the original judge's desk, a carved railing, and spectator seats. The walls are covered with wooden panels, and there are bookcases and a carved oak wall clock.
Many of the doorways inside are richly carved. You can see detailed floral designs and even some gargoyles. In many public areas, the walls are decorated with unique floral patterns.
