Architect E.J Lennoxs American Courthouse Construction :: American America History

Architect E.J Lennoxs American Courthouse Construction THE BUILDING THEN In 1886 the city held a competition for the design of a court house.Thirteen architects competed and E.J Lennox was chosen to construct this build. He was chosen as the architect because of his unique way ofdemonstrating the Richardsoninan Romanesque design (In trade union America thisdesign was know as the style of public dignity). But by the time theproject was underway, the city government decided that it needed a cityhall as well as a court house, so Lennox prepared new designs for abuilding that combined both. The Interior features study bronze and irondetailing, painted murals by George Reid, as well as huge symbolic stained-glass windows by Robert McCausland. The entire building was created out ofstone. Materials utilise were Credit valley red sandstone, Sackvillebrownstone from New Brunswick and greystone from a quarry near Orangeville.The stones are decorated with ela borate carvings of floral and geometricdesigns, hideous faces and caricatures. The complete building cost the city2.5 million dollars which is almost nine times greater that the originaltarget price which was set at 300,000 dollars. Many people complained and say that the cost of building the hall could have been used on practicalschemes such as sewer improvage, water supplies and other important cityneeds. This promontory blowing amount of money encouraged many investigations andlawsuits. One affair being in which the architects name was revealedcarved immediately below the ledge under the uppermost windows and itspelled out E J LENNOX ARCHITECT A D 1898. THE BUILDING NOW Before designing the building Lennox made a tour to cities of the U.Swith buildings with the equal style, now city halls resemblance to H. H.Richardosns Pittsburgh court house in 1886 is often pointed out. Thebuilding is designed so that the clock tower is centered on glare Baystr eet, providing a satisfying vista. Since this building was designed tobe used for various activities when one enters the old city hall form theentrance of faery and James street they will see three names carved abovethe door Court House, Municipal Building and City Hall.