Nomination for Butler County Courthouse

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Form No. 10-300 (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE MAY 19 1981 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES JUN 2 2 1981 INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS Butler County, Ohio, Courthouse AND/OR COMMON STREET & NUMBER _NOT FOR PUBLICATION CITY. TOWN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Hamilton, Ohio 8th, Thomas N, Kindness - VICINITY OF PRESENT USE COMMERCIAL -WORK IN PROGRESS EDUCATIONAL -PRIVATE RESIDENCE PUBLIC ACQUISITION IN PROCESS -YES: RESTRICTED _BEING CONSIDERED X YES: UNRESTRICTED OWNER OF PROPERTY Butler County, Ohio, Commissioners LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION COURTHOUSE REGISTRY OF DEEDS, ETC. Butler County, Ohio, Adminstrative Center REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS Historic Hamilton, Inc.

039 017 45011 1977 DATE LOCATION HISTORIC ACCESSIBLE CODE CLASSIFICATION STATE TITLE SCIENTIFIC PUBLIC OWNERSHIP CATEGORY SITE AGRICULTURE RECEIVED PARK NAME MILITARY INDUSTRIAL Ohio STATUS XGOVERNMENT _TRANSPORTATION DATE ENTERED _ENTERTAINMENT Hamilton Architectural and Historical Survey XBUILDING(S) _MUSEUM _DISTRICT _PRIVATE Second & High Streets _UNOCCUPIED _OTHER: _RELIGIOUS FOR NPS USE ONLY -OBJECT -BOTH -FEDERAL STATECOUNTY X LOCAL -STRUCTURE 7 DESCRIPTION DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Description of the property

While the architectural style of the Butler County, Ohio Courthouse can be classi- entrance porticos is rooted in a Post-Renaissance, Palladian, 16th Century bays on each of the four sides, the center bay being the entrance portico, while The ground floor exterior, much like the Renaissance palaces of Europe, is treated slight flaring out as it reaches the ground, the larger size stone block treatment and the heavily-trimmed, deeply-recessed windows, as well as, by "tucking" the Tine) of animal heads, oval medallion shapes, etc. semi-circular arch, while the other two have triple round windows as their feature. Originally, the four main roof corners were also graced by a squared-off and flattened "onion" dome cupola, but they were removed after a fire destroyed them. columns underneath.

clock tower was a four-tiered, more delicately-sealed stone tower with the fourth CONDITION DATE UNEXPOSED MOVED UNALTERED FAIR XALTERED (continued) major entrances with their columned porticos and impressive stone and cast iron stair treatment. each floor is treated differently in exterior ornamentation. XEXCELLENT The French Masard roof above the four stories contributes most to identifying CHECK ONE _DETERIORATED "Italian Villa"style.The four-story cut sandstone structure has seven identical Several smaller gables with pedimented roofs enhance the mansard roof by crowning treated differently in window ornamentation (Romanesque style arches) and material XORIGINAL SITE the corners.

Villa" theme by extending the entrance massing one more story emphasizing the arched openings above the stone band.Broad flat columns of contrasting smooth The crowning feature on the exterior is the stone clock tower.Originally the at each portico which reinforces their secondary nature, Once again the window ornamentation is different- taller openings capped by Numerous finials still remain at other locations as terminations of corners and tier being the dome and its finial.The four-sided middle tier the dome) a stone band does mark the separation between them if one looks closely.This The second floor exterior, also much like the Renaissance and "Second Empire" style palaces of Europe, is another "base" on which the upper floors rest but the building as "Second Empire".

In addition, it helps reinforce the "Italian The exterior of the third and fourth floors appears as one larger story, al though cross-like plan.

These roof extensions are classically pedimented gables with RUINS sandstone texture are introduced for the first time.These columns exhibit neo- detailing ashlar sandstone is used here).This level also receives the housed the clock.Then in 1912,a serious fire caused the collapse of supporting classical,"Beaux Arts" influence in their ornamentation under the roof United States Department of the Interior Butler County Courthouse, Butler County, Ohio 7 - DESCRIPTION (continued) was further modified in the 1920's, after lightening damaged the dome, by removing the dome restored the stained-glass, skylighted rotunda, most of the original "Italian Villa" cross- like plan, and original interior finishes of imported granite columns, imported marble The site, on the other hand, is architecturally significant because of its large open feel.

side by High Street, the main artery of the City. The block is bordered by a short stone Page Continuation sheet appearances but with the adjacent interior space reorganized for more efficient office space Inventory-Nomination Form original appearance.

Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service stairs stepping down the raised yard (at the stone wall and sidewalk meeting joint).Large National Register of Historic Places was restored.An obvious alteration to the origianl plan is the addition of fire-code required stairways where outdated restrooms once were and the relocation of those restrooms in other wall that included its own iron fencing at one time, and raised the tree-landscaped yard stretch the full width of the entrance stairs and from the courthouse stairs to the stone (another difference from the original plan).Most public areas have been restored to their slabs also surround base of the courthouse itself, making it easy to use any of the entrances. replace the original was styled in the Second Renaissance Style with a heavy-scaled, three- and it's belvedere altogether and adding a low profile roof with finials instead.

members and the tower fell into the center of the building's interior.The new tower to It encompasses a whole city block in the middle of downtown Hamilton and is touched on one tiered,eight-sided stone third tier being the dome and its belvedere).This Item number FHR-8-300 (11-78) For HCRS use only receivedHAY 19 1981 areas. The interiors have undergone nearly continuous alteration to accommodate the changing and expanding needs of the county government. The most recent restoration/renovation work has Two of the exterior second floor entrances have been restored to original exterior AREAS OF

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

SIGNIFICANCE -- CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW -LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE L1500-1599 ECONOMICS SCULPTURE _SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN COMMERCE _OTHER (SPECIFY) D.W. Gibbs & Co., Toledo SPECIFIC DATES 1883 - 1885 Builder

Statement of significance

: Freeman Compton Contract- STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The Butler County, Ohio Courthouse in Hamilton, Ohio, is significant both architec- The courthouse has architectural_significance for several reasons. First, because massing qualities; and last, because it is a large-scale focal point. It's "Second Empire"styling is significant because it is an unusually well-preserved, itself, with it's symmetrical, cross-like mass crowned by a dome at the intersection at this "level" contributes to the stature of the building and the open-feeling of the Symmes Purchase still seated to the south in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The City of Hamilton was picked as the location because it was the most prominent, centrally- 1700-1799 ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC ART RELIGION THEATER AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS PERIOD X1800-1899 1900- CONSERVATION EDUCATION BUILDER/ARCHITECT ENGINEERING SIGNIFICANCE PREHISTORIC EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT INDUSTRY MILITARY MUSIC LITERATURE XPOLITICS/GOVERNMENT (continued) courthouse was built. _PHILOSOPHY ors _TRANSPORTATION The third architecturally significant factor-the courthouse as a focal point-is numerous courthouses across the country-the closest being in Washington Court _1400-1499 The second architecturally significant factor-the massive qualities of the building was a prominent style choice of many midwestern courthouses built at this time. ment.Butler County was formed in March 1803 by splitting of Hamilton County in turally and historically.

its ability to symbolize the stature and prosperity of the area at the time when the -SCIENCE location in view of the downtown area of Hamilton, -LAW COMMUNITY PLANNING * XARCHITECTURE it is a fine example of "Second Empire" architectural style; second, because of it's and Company, an architectural firm in Toledo, Ohio. They were responsible for the square. Next, looking at a third and even large scale - the mass of the , on all three levels, contributes heavily to significant for more than one reason, too.

One reason is it's location on the wide, 1600-1699 INVENTION ARCHEOLOGY-PREHISTORIC Historically speaking the courthouse is significant as a seat of the county govern- square within the town -the courthouse site mass is a significant and pleasing The clock tower could be even another reason,for it can be seen from almost any a whole city block.A third reason is it's prominent central location in the city. located city and was therefore accessible in one days travel (roundtrip) from any of the cross-typical and classic of the era.The second "level" is the symmetrical,

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Cone, Stephen D. Biographical and Historical Sketches: A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents From 1792 to 1896. Hamilton, Ohio: Republican Publishing Company, 1896. 10 GEOGRAPHICAL DATA VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION 11 FORM PREPARED BY STEED-HAMMOND-PAUL ARCHITECTS, AIA, and HISTORIC HAMILTON SEPTEMBER 18, 1980 STREET & NUMBER (513) 863-5441 CITY OR TOWN 12 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER CERTIFICATION THE EVALUATED SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PROPERTY WITHIN THE STATE IS: NATIONAL - As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National. Historic Preservation Act.of 1966 (Public Law 89-665). I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service.

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER SIGNATURE FOR NPS USE ONLY I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS PROPERTY IS INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER KEEPER OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER GPO 892.453 CODE ORGANIZATION TELEPHONE DATE COUNTY LOCAL EASTING ZONE NAME/TITLE STATE NORTHING UTM REFERENCES ATTEST: Bounded on the north by High Street; on the east by Second;on the west by Front; and on the south by Court Street. 10 COURT STREET LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF ARCHEOLOGY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION 14,316,317,6,0l 45011 HAMILTON,OHIO SHPO 4/29 Butler County Courthouse, Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio 8 - SIGNIFICANCE (continued) of the square). Before that, business was conducted in buildings left over from Fort Commissioner Eli Long, Commissioner L. N. Bonham, appointee James Neal, and appointee C. B.

housed all countyfunctions at that time, but, due to the changing and expanding needs of coul Continuation sheet National Register of Historic Places Page Inventory-Nomination Form The county government was originally conducted in an earlier brick, Greek Revival building building for administrative services to relieve overcrowding problems and a remodeling/ county governments, it now houses just courtrooms and their related offices.A new office Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service reorganization of the existing facilitieshasrestored the original courthouse building built at another Hamilton location at the same time.

Israel Ludlow's donation of the site land and influence in the Symmes Purchase area was United States Department of the Interior also thought to be instrumental in the choice of Hamilton.A county infirmary was also the closest to it's original interior usage since it was first built. Item number location within the county requirement of all 88 counties in the State of Ohio). (of 1818vintage) located across the street from the present building(on the western side received MAY 19 1981 For HCRS use only FHR-8-300 (11-78) JUN 22 198 Hamilton, also west of the present site. Construction was started in 1885 on the present date entered was authorized by a"Joint Courthouse Board"consisting of Commissioner Thomas Slade, - Determination of Eligiblity _ On Nomination Form - Thematic Group Photos & _ Other II. Evaluation of Nomination | Adequate 1. Descriptive Statement Short Format _ Yes 2.

Significance Statement 3. Concepts/Integrity 4. Concepts/Criteria 5. Concepts/Boundaries 6. Contextual Evaluation General Comments (cont. on back if necessary): See Attached _ U.S. Department of the Interior Good REJECT Nomination Comments Name Within: Maps Local National Park Service Site Structure Multiple Resource Area Poor 2nd Return Federal Register Date Keeper's Decision to Review Nomination prepared by: State Staff State Request for Review Check if Appropriate: Fed Nom or Request-Agency District I.Evaluation of Resource (cont. on back if necessary) 6.17.81 Bldg(s) County _ Working Number Action: Object 5.18.81.159 2-2-82 1. Butler County Courthouse 2. High and Second Street, Hamilton, Ohio 3. Mr. Pat Brown 4. December 1979 Ohio 45011 6. Photo of east facade, photographer facing 7. Photo #2 of 8 MAY 1 9 1981 JUN 2 2 1981 west. 5.

Brown Studios, 228 Heaton St., Hamilton, Butter County 1. Butler County Courthouse 2. High and Second St., Hamilton, Ohio 3. Mr. Pat Brown 4. December 1979 5. Brown Studios, 228 Heaton St., Hamilton, Ohio 45011 6. Photo of S.E. corner; photographer facing 7. Photo JUN 2 2 1981 MAY 19 1981 1. Butler County Courthouse 5. Brown Studios, 228 Heaton St., Hamilton, sional stone carvers. 2.High and Second St.,Hamilton,Ohio Ohio 45011 3. Mr. Pat Brown Butler County 6. Identical oramentation at N.W., S.W., and Ohio 1. Butler County Courthouse 2. High and Second St., Hamilton, Ohio 3. Mr. Pat Brown 4. 20 September 1980 5. Brown Studios, 228 Heaton St., Hamilton Ohio 45011 6. View of rotunda from second floor looking 7. Photo #5 of 8 MAY 1 9 1981 representing stenciling of the period, and pieces of early courthouse furniture. a portion of a historic flag display N.W. corner facing S.E.

Note skylight, JUN 2 2 1981 toward skylight. Photographer located in 1. Butler County Courthouse 2. High and Second St., Hamilton, Ohio 3. Mr. Pat Brown 4. 20 September 1980 5. Brown Studios, 228 Heaton St., Hamilton - Ohio 45011 6. Courtroom of Judge Henry Brewer (Court N.W. corner facing S.E. All furnishings 7. Photo #6 of 8 MAY 1 9 1981 room. Note especially the cast iron-and-wood spectator chairs and the bentwood Chairs originally used in parts of Courthouse. bailiff's desk original to this court- in the jury box. Witness stand and of Common Pleas) occupying N.W. corner of third floor. Photographer stationed JUSTICE 1. Butler County Courthouse 2. High and Second St., Hamilton, Ohio 3. Mr. Pat Brown 4. 20 September 1980 5. Brown Studios, 228 Heaton St., Hamilton, Ohio 45011 6. Hand carved cherry judicial bench located in courtroom of Judge Henry Brewer. The wall.

It is believed the bench was e 7. Photo. #7 of 8 MAY 19 1981 JUN 2 2 1981 carved on location. 15-foot bench is located along the north 1. Butler County Courthouse 2. High and Second St., Hamilton, Ohio 3. Mr. Pat Brown 4. 20 September 1980 Ohio 45011 7.

Photo #8 of 8 JUN 2 2 1981 MAY 1 9 1981 and west ends of judicial bench 6.Carving of a ram's head found on east Butler County Courthouse Butler County, Nomination Form X Photographs (missing #1) 81000429 Property Name USGS Map Missing Core Documentation Ohio Reference Number The following Core Documentation is missing from this entry: County, State 75 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) Nº922.5-W8430/7.5 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR UTM COORDINATES: HAMILTON QUADRANGLE HAMILTON, OHIO 16/709870/4363760 ROAD CLASSIFICATION GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Unimproved dirt State Route Date Entered Butler County Courthouse Miami County Honorable Thomas N. Kindness Nr. W. Ray Luce Midwest Region, NPS Columbus, Ohio 43211 Location Covington Eady/bjr/6/26/81 Name Butler County Honorable John Glenn Interstate 7l at 17th Avenue For further information, please call the National Register at (202)343-640l.

Congressional 4th District Also Notified State Historic Preservation Officer ENTRIES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER Ohio Historical Society Covington Historic Government Building STATE Honorable Howard M. Hetzenbaumn