5 replies to this topic

[aboutmetro]

Throughout our nations history, the local courthouses and city halls were the big statement of architecture in the area.  Many are exquisite and many, in smaller areas, are still the best example of high design ideals.  Of course, there's the good, the bad and the ugly too...  Show off (or admit to) your area's edifices.

Edited by aboutmetro, 16 April 2009 - 02:35 PM.

[aboutmetro]

Columbus, Georgia and Muscogee County consolidated in 1971. Leaders at the time wanted a physical expression of that progressive step in local governance.  So, it was out with the old courthouse...



And in with the new Government Center (c 1974)


As a result of this, the local Historic Foundation was established. While it may not be 'exquisit', the 'new' courthouse is a style of architecture and does make a statement.  My fear is that one day, somebody will want to tear this down and put up something 'more suitable'. I contend that even the modern architecture of the middle 20th century that so many consider not worthy is, nonetheless, and example of a period of architecture and some are worth saving for that reason.

[krazeeboi]

I tend to agree with you about modernist/post-modernist architecture. From an urban perspective, a lot of them get it wrong, but I do think that some are worth preserving, even if just for architectural merit. I'm reminded of an example in Columbia, SC where this



which was built in 1912, was torn down to build this

[aboutmetro]

krazeeboi, on Apr 16 2009, 06:43 PM, said:

I tend to agree with you about modernist/post-modernist architecture. From an urban perspective, a lot of them get it wrong, but I do think that some are worth preserving, even if just for architectural merit. I'm reminded of an example in Columbia, SC where this



which was built in 1912, was torn down to build this

Yikes...

Yea, it's very unfortunate that so many 'modern' buildings in the 20th century were built on the graveyards of some really great earlier architecture...

[suburban george3]

There is an extensive photo thread on county courthouse on UP here.  Check it out, lots of great pics..

[vompy]

yeah krazzeeboi.. i agree with that