Tippecanoe County Courthouse, 1884
301 Main St. Lafayette, IN 47901
Architect/Designer: Farman & Pearce, James F. Alexander
Renovation/Restoration Architect: Schmidt Associates, Inc.
Description:
The Tippecanoe County Courthouse is at the center of the public square in downtown Lafayette and is by far the most prominent structure downtown. The courthouse was designed with an exaggerated scale and large base level giving it a grand appearance and stature. The courthouse is in a cross shape and features a slender dome rising for the central rotunda; a 14 foot statue of the roman goddess of justice rises from the top of the dome. The courthouse design can be divided into three vertical sections: the horizontal laid stone work rising up the first two floors, the neo-classical columns delineating the third and fourth floors with the intricate second empire roof line and lastly the dome with its statues and four faced clock.
Significance Statement – including special status and awards won:
The Tippecanoe County Courthouse is an excellent example of neo-classical, beaux arts and second empire styles working in a harmonious design. Built during a brief surge in this complex civic style the courthouse is a refreshing step away from the classic revival style of civic architecture which dominates the Midwest.
Designation status:
National Register of Historic Places, 1972
Style: Neo-Classic, Beaux Arts
Owner (past/present): Tippecanoe County
Materials: Stone, brick
Additions and/or changes with date:
1969, restructuring of courthouse chambers
Historic use/current use: County courthouse
Is building open to the public?: Yes
Condition: Excellent
Website and/or sources of information:
Courthouse History: http://www.tippecanoecountycourthouse.com
Research Sources:
Courthouse History. Tippecanoe County Courthouse. 2010. Accessed July 18, 2015. http://www.tippecanoecountycourthouse.com/courthousehistory.html
National Register of Historic Places, Tippecanoe County Courthouse, Lafayette, Tippecanoe, IN. 1972.
Tippecanoe Treasures. Tippecanoe County Historical Association. Accessed July 18, 2015. http://www.tcha.mus.in.us/treasures.htm
