The
National Register Text
| J. Riely Gordon, Architect for
the Bexar County Courthouse, described the new structure in 1896 as follows:
"The new County Courthouse is a four-story and basement structure of the
Romanesque style of architecture. The materials are all native Texas granite
and red sandstone. With its tall towers, tile roof and numerous colonnades
it makes a mammoth structure...It has been especially designed with
reference to the peculiarities of this climate. The open court on the east
(Dwyer Avenue) has been designed for the purpose of securing the prevailing
southeast breeze...With wings projecting out it catches all the breeze that
strikes between them upon the principle of a funnel, and forces it
throughout the entire structure, and the natural breeze is not wasted,
thereby securing a thorough system of ventilation. It is entered by
ascending very large and spacious granite steps with immense granite columns
and bronze lamps on each side, to a platform floored in marble with a
granite balustrade. Over this is a magnificent 26 foot fountain, surrounded
by various kinds of tropical plants...From the first platform which is
flanked by stairs of granite, turning to the right, and left, one enters
into the colonnades which surround the entire court and fountain. They are
floored with marble and surmounted with polished granite columns with
magnificently carved capitals and spacious hall on the right and left. The
approach from Main Plaza is flanked on each side by heavy granite buttresses
and magnificent bronze lamps. Expensive (sic) steps pass under the massive
32 foot segment arch, built between the two towers, which act as buttresses
to resist its thrust...The south entrance is also gained through massive
arches, polished granite columns with marble floored loggia, etc. The
entrance from the west has not yet been completed and is not included in any
of the present contracts, but the arrangement is for an entrance through a
carriage porch of heavy granite arches, enabling ladies and others to attend
court, as well as to be used in wet weather..." In addition, the two towers
on Main Plaza were elaborate, the west one topped by a pyramid of green
tile, and the taller east tower by a beehive form of red tile. Building of
this structure continued from 1892 through 1896 under the supervision of
George Dugan, Otto P. Kroeger and David Hughes.
The Courthouse proved adequate as constructed for only twenty years. In 1914, the construction of a five-story addition on the south side of the building was begun. Architects for this work were Leo M. J. Dielmann and Charles T. Boelhauwe. The structure was completed in 1915. H.N. Jones Construction Company served as contractor. It was not until June, 1926, that the Courthouse underwent a major remodeling. Architects were Phelps and Dewees and Emmett T. Jackson and George Willis. E. Simpson Company was the engineering firm, and Walsh and Burney the general contractors. A fifth story was added to the center of the building, and a new roof constructed. Two wings were added to the west side. As in the 1914 work, the same granite and sandstone of the original structure were used. Tile flooring was installed in public spaces, and cork floors in courtrooms and libraries. The entire structure was artificially heated and cooled, an innovation for the time. The steel beams and masonry arches of the original structure were removed, and a reinforced concrete frame used. The 1926 remodeling unfortunately destroyed the east side patio, one of the building's finest features. This work was completed in October, 1928, and brought the overall dimensions of the Courthouse to 400 feet long and 140 feet wide. The Courthouse remained intact for almost fifty years. Then in 1963, a new addition to the Sheriff's Department was made, and two courtrooms added on the second floor. In 1970, a $2,600,000 project was undertaken to modernize and expand the entire structure. An addition of 24,000 square feet was made to the southwest corner of the building. Central air conditioning and heat were installed as well as new plumbing and wiring. Edward R. Gondeck was architect for both projects. Hilmer served as contractor for the 1963 work, and Wallace L. Boldt for the 1972 work. In neither of these additions was the same use of materials of the original structure made, and a major portion of the west side of the building was destroyed in the 1972 work. The most recent work was done in 1973 when a law library was constructed under the roof, creating a sixth story on top of the old library. This work was done at the cost of $124,000. Architects for the project were Jack Peterson and John Williams. The Bexar County Courthouse is important architecturally, historically, and symbolically. The 1892 structure has served as the center of county government and a focal point of downtown activity since its completion. It illustrates the historical association of Main Plaza with the administration of justice throughout the development of San Antonio and Bexar County. Along with the San Fernando Cathedral on the west side of the Plaza (itself a National Register Property), the Courthouse gives definition and continuity to this vital portion of the central city. It serves as a cornerstone for the Main and Military Plaza Historic District recently designated by the San Antonio City Council. |