Origins
When Sarasota County broke away from Manatee County in 1921, the
new county government was able to occupy unused space on the
bayfront in the Hover Arcade, which also functioned as city
hall. Within a few years, it became apparent that a separate
county courthouse was needed. In the spring of 1925, the
Sarasota Board of County Commissioners selected Dwight James
Baum to design the new courthouse. Charles Ringling made land
available in his new subdivision for the county building. His
new Terrace Hotel rose just south of the courthouse site and the
Atlantic Coast Line passenger depot crossed Main Street several
blocks to the east. The Mediterranean influences in the
architecture of these buildings were typical of much new
construction around the county during the 1920s.
Original Structure
When first built, the million dollar courthouse was surrounded
by mostly open land, with a few scattered houses in the
neighborhood.
The original H-shaped structure linked two rectangular buildings
with a covered walkway and tower.
A reflecting pool graced the north side of the tower area.
Decorative glazed terra cotta highlighted the stucco surface of
the walls. Ornamental wrought iron grilles enhanced doors and
some windows.
Iron railings and light fixtures continued the theme inside.
The west portion contained offices for county administration and
the east section housed judicial facilities, including an
apartment for the jailer.
Post-World War II Expansion
Post-World War II Sarasota experienced rapid population growth
and expansion of government offices to meet the needs of
citizens. Additions were constructed on the south side of the
courthouse in the 1950s and 1960s. They more than doubled
available space in the courthouse and completely covered the
south side of the original structure.
Restoration
As part of an expansion of county judicial facilities, the
historic courthouse has been extensively rehabilitated.
Local funds paid for the rehabilitation of marble wall, terrazzo
floors, plaster ceilings and moldings in the corridors and
rotundas.
Mechanical, electrical and fire sprinkler systems were also
replaced.
Dropped ceiling and partitions, which divided the courtroom into
several small offices, were removed to recreate the original
space.
The grand staircase in the west wing was also reconstructed.
Grant funds have been awarded to rehabilitate other elements of
the courthouse for which local funds were not available due to
budget limitations.
Grant funds will be used to replicate the ceiling beams and wall
paneling.
The commissioners’ hearing room was returned to a single room
and the stenciled pecky cypress ceiling restored.
The west wing skylight is being restored and a replica of the
original skylight will be installed in the east wing.
Those visiting the restored courthouse will be able to better
understand the accolades given to the new courthouse when it was
described in December 1926 as "the most outstanding emblem of
Sarasota County's prosperity" during the Boom period. |
