Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Saint Paul City Hall and
Ramsey County Courthouse |
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Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse from the southeast
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 15 Kellogg Boulevard West, Saint Paul, Minnesota |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1932 |
| Architect | Thomas Ellerbe & Company and Holabird & Root |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000940 |
| Added to NRHP | February 11, 1983 |
The Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse is a tall, impressive building in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It's located at 15 Kellogg Boulevard West. This twenty-story skyscraper was finished in 1932. It's a great example of Art Deco style.
It was built during the Great Depression, a time when many people didn't have jobs. Even with a budget of four million dollars, they managed to spend less! This meant they could use really good materials and skilled workers.
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What is the Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse?
This building serves two important purposes. It is the City Hall for Saint Paul. This means it's where the city's government works. It's also the Courthouse for Ramsey County. This is where legal cases are heard and justice is carried out.
How Was the Building Designed?
The outside of the building is made from smooth Indiana Limestone. It shows off a style called "American Perpendicular" Art Deco. This design was created by two architecture firms: Thomas Ellerbe & Company from Saint Paul and Holabird & Root from Chicago. They were inspired by the Finnish architect, Eliel Saarinen.
Unique Exterior Features
The building has long, vertical rows of windows. These windows are connected by flat, black panels called spandrels. You can also see special sculptures carved by Lee Lawrie. These sculptures are found above the Fourth Street entrance and next to the Kellogg Boulevard entrance.
What Does the Inside Look Like?
The inside of the building is designed in a style called "Zigzag Moderne." This style was inspired by a famous art show in Paris. It features soft decorations and smooth, curving shapes.
Memorial Hall and the Vision of Peace
One of the most amazing parts of the building is Memorial Hall. It has a bright white marble floor. This contrasts with tall, black marble pillars that reach up three stories. The ceiling above is covered in shiny gold leaf.
At the end of Memorial Hall, you'll find a huge statue. It's called Vision of Peace and was created by Carl Milles. This statue is made of white onyx and weighs 60 tons! It stands about 38 feet (11.6 meters) tall.
Other Interior Details
The building also features beautiful woodwork. It uses twenty-three different kinds of wood! You can also see five different types of marble brought in from other countries. The walls have colorful paintings called murals by John W. Norton. Even the six bronze elevator doors are works of art, made by Albert Stewart.
Images for kids
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The Vision of Peace statue by Carl Milles inside the courthouse.
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