Bell County Courthouse

Built in 1884 in Renaissance Revival architectual style by architect Jasper N. Preston by contractor Ben Lee.

Designed in the Renaissance Revival style by J. N. Preston and Sons of Austin and built by local contractor, Ben D. Lee, the Bell County Courthouse is a structure which is imposing in both mass and appearance. Built in 1883, the three story courthouse measures 155 by 76 feet, and each facade has a uniform portico. The building is constructed of limestone from a local quarry. The lower story of pitch-faced ashlar is separated from the upper portion of cut stone by a modest string course. Continuous pilasters with molded capitals, along with bases located between each vertical course of windows, serve to emphasize the horizontal articulation. Each elevation is comprised of five parts. The central feature is an entrance pavilion which rises from a one-story base of rusticated stone. Above is a portico which is supported by cut-stone columns with carved capitals and bases. On each side is a flanking bay which is terminated at the corner by a pavilion. Originally, the courthouse was dominated by a central tower, which was terminated by a Goddess of Justice statue with sword and balance scale in hand. One hundred and twenty-five feet tall, the tower was supported on a wide base and surrounded by a colonnade with fluted columns and carved capitals. This tower has since been removed. Also prominent in the original design were sheet metal details manufactured by W. J. Burt and Company of Fort Worth. The roof was of stamped tin, fabricated to resemble slate, and around each of the porticoes was a balustrade of zinc. Cornices, handrails, balustrades, shell ornaments at the apex of the roof, and window pediments were all fabricated of galvanized iron and spun zinc. Unfortunately, most of these details have been removed from the building. The original courthouse plan included twenty-two offices and the district and county courtrooms. Also provided were five fireproof vaults in which county and district records were kept. The corridor and portico floors were of marble, and naturally finished wood was used throughout. The courtroom was elegantly finished with a paneled ceiling supported by fluted pilasters with paneled pedestals, carved capitals and bases. In 1892, the county clerk's office was made fireproof, and the building was extensively remodeled in 1950. The courtroom is no longer a double-height space, and the renovations have hidden much of the interior's historic qualities.

-Central tower with statue and sheet metal cornices have been removed. -Metal windows replaced original 2/2 wood windows.1950: Elevator added and interior extensively remodeled.- ISTEA Grant - Reconstruction of the 125 foot clock tower, new clock faces,

Current status: Active Courthouse