Bexar County Courthouse

Built in 1896 in Richardsonian Romanesque architectual style by architect J. Riely Gordon by contractor Dugan & Kroeger.

Designed by J. Riely Gordon in the Romanesque style, the original Bexar County Courthouse consisted of four-stories and a basement. The cornerstone was laid on December 17, 1892, and construction was completed in 1896. The building's foundations were constructed of quarry-faced, ashlar Texas granite, with three courses above grade, and a dressed granite molded water table. The walls were constructed of dark red, quarry-faced, ashlar sandstone with the first floor lighter than those above. The first floor is delineated from the second by a dentillated stringcourse above which rests a smooth-faced sandstone cornice. The other levels are separated by simple string courses. The upper floor is topped by a terra cotta Romanesque frieze with foliate reliefs and a corbeled cornice. Originally, the open court on the east, with its projecting wings, was designed to take advantage of the natural southeast breeze in order to ventilate the building. Leading to the marble platform of the open court were large spacious granite steps with immense granite columns and bronze lamps on each side. The open court also included a granite balustrade and a magnificent 26-foot fountain. The north and primary facade is dominated by a two-story central porch. The porch is flanked by two buttressing towers, the easternmost and tallest tower has a beehive-shaped red tile roof, and the westernmost tower has a pyramidal green tile roof. Spanning the steps leading to the entrance is a large segmental arch which springs from unusual, round bolster imposts, which are topped above the second level by domical roofs. The second level, above the arch, consists of a colonnaded porch, now enclosed. The south entrance was also entered through massive arches and polished granite columns and featured a marble floored loggia. The entrance from the west was originally designed to be a carriage porch of heavy granite arches. Primary window configurations consist of one over one, double hung, flat-arched windows, except for the upper floor, which has round arches. Exterior doors are modern aluminum and glass with transoms and sidelights. The roof is hipped and is covered by a glazed green tile. In 1914, a five-story addition was built onto the south side of the building. This work was done by architects Leo M. J. Dielmann and Charles T. Boelhauwe, with H. N. Jones Construction Company serving as contractors. In June of 1926, the courthouse underwent major remodeling. The architects for this project were Phelps and Dewees. Emmett T. Jackson and George Willis. E. Simpson Company served as the engineering firm, while Walsh and Burney were the general contractors. A fifth story was added to the west side. As in the 1914 work, the same granite and sandstone of the original structure were used. Tile flooring was installed in public spaces, and cork floors in the courtrooms and libraries. The entire structure was artificially heated and cooled, an innovation for the time. The steel beams and masonry arches of the original structure were removed, and a reinforced concrete frame was used. Unfortunately, this extensive remodeling also destroyed the east patio. In 1963, a new addition was made to the Sheriff's Department, and two courtrooms were added on the second floor. In 1970, an addition was made to the southwest corner of the building. Central air conditioning and heat were installed, as well as new plumbing and wiring. The materials in both of these projects differed from the materials of the original structure, and a major portion of the west side of the building was destroyed in the 1972 work. In 1973, a law library was constructed under the roof, creating a sixth story on top of the old library.

Construction begins in 1892 but is marred by many delays. Occupancy begins in 1895 or 1896. In 1914 5-story addition designed by architect Leo Dielmann and constructed. In 1926 West wings and enclosure of east patio by Phelps & Dewees; 1963: County Court at Law addition at the southwest corner. In 1970 Extensive remodeling by Edward R. Gondeck and Hilmer Uhr contractor; In 1973 6th floor and 5th floor law library designed by Jack Peterson and John Williams. Water pressure cleaned in 1976.
In 1992 the interior remodeling of the first floor by Jim Suggs of 3D/I, San Antonio.
Roof repairs & restoration of the green, clay tiles, 1996-97.

Current status: Active Courthouse