Fourth County Courthouse
Address |
421 Montgomery St Syracuse, NY 13202 (map) |
Area |
Armory Square |
Fourth County Courthouse, whose cornerstone was laid
in 1904, opened to the public on the first day of 1907. The grand
scale and intricate stonework typify this Beaux Arts building, a style
popular for public buildings at the turn of the century. Also common
is the projecting central portico which faces Columbus Circle.
Syracuse architects Archimedes Russell and Melvin King further
dramatized the entry with a large copper dome and grand staircase. The
main lobby, also called the atrium, has marble columns and marble
floors. It is finished in dull gold and blues with ornamental
plasterwork and beveled glass. Four murals by William Dodge depict
incidents in the lives of Minnehaha, Hiawatha, Pere LeMoyne and Asa
Danforth. The fact that these paintings depict local history is
indicative of a new development in mural painting. Three symbols of
law and justice on murals at the head of the main marble staircase are
the work of Gustave Gutgemon. The main staircase was closed for many
years but has been strengthened recently and made safe for the public
to use again.
The Downtown Neighborhoods
Armory Square • Downtown East • Hanover Square
