Hendricks County Courthouse

 courthouse, 1915_construction

Online Tour of Hendricks County Courthouse:
www.in.gov/judiciary/ipix/hendricks/

The first Court House was completed in 1826 at a cost of $147. It was a one-story log structure measuring 30' x 40'. In 1858 plans for a new Court House were announced. The building was completed in 1862 at a cost of $60,000. It was in the Gothic style and featured two towers: a clock tower on the north side and a 100' observation tower on the south.

On January 9, 1912, a heavy snow caused the roof of the Court House to collapse. It was decided to replace rather than repair. The cornerstone for the present building was laid on May 20, 1913. The building was completed in 1915 at a cost of $225,000.

Clarence Martindale of Indianapolis used Indiana limestone in his design for the Neoclassical style building.2 Invoking authority, respect and confidence, the Neoclassical style remained a popular choice for public buildings throughout the early twentieth century. On the Hendricks County Courthouse a clock ornaments the pediment which is supported by Doric columns and pilasters. The current courthouse sits in the popular Shelbyville Square plan with streets intersecting at each corners of the square.

The interior of the Hendricks County Courthouse experienced its share of unsympathetic changes over the years. It’s hard to believe that maintenance solutions once consisted of painting over brass and hiding decorative stencils with white paint, but many counties did just that, often in the name of modernization. The 1990s saw a renaissance of courthouse restorations that uncovered original beauty. Fortunately that trend continues as more counties restore interior murals and decorative details. In 2003 workers began the restoration of stencils, woodwork, stained glass and light fixtures in the Hendricks County Courthouse. With restoration work completed in 2004 the courthouse once again reflects the brilliance intended by the county councilors.