Centre County Government

Centre County Courthouse

History of the Courthouse

A Chronology of Courthouse Renovations

1805-1806 Construction of a two-story limestone structure, approximately 20'x6O', serving as the first Courthouse. First floor designated for service provision and second floor as courtroom.

1811 Brick wings added to north and south sides to address the needs of growing population and corresponding legal, political, and official record-keeping. A picture of the Courthouse on a hand-drawn map, dated 1818, shows the cupola adomed with a fish weathervane atop a large ball.

1835 Most notable feature of the Courthouse, a Greek revival portico accentuated with eight 26-foot smooth-faced columns topped by Ionic capitals, was added.

1854-1855 Interior so dilapidated that the entire structure behind the porch and front facade was torn down. Reconstruction, including a new cupola with a clock, was completed in 1855.

1909-1911 Building antiquated and there was no measure of fire protection, no water for drinking, no lavatory facilities, and the rooms of the county officers were too small. Added a 80'x 40' section to the eastern side of the building, excavated the basement under the new section to allow heating and ventilating equipment and vault space for archives. Also installed water service and bathrooms, improved structural support of the roof and added permanent copper roof shingles, reconstructed stairways with iron and treads of marble, and wainscoted corridors and lobbies with marble to make the building as nearly fireproof as possible.

1963-1965 Three story addition to the east wing of the structure and remodeling of the historic sections completed.

1985 Roof repairs and painting. Rotted trim board and overhead removed and replaced with aluminum sheeting to increase ventilation and reduce moisture seepage into the building.

1995-2003 Renovations to offices located in the courthouse:

• Courtroom and chambers for third judge
• Sheriff office
• District Attorney office
• Prothonotary office
• Public Defender office

2001 Exterior restoration starts with window project.

The Courthouse continues to be utilized by the public for civil and criminal court matters. In addition to its functional use, the structure is aesthetically beautiful and carries a distinguished legal and political heritage. It is the focal point for residents as well as visitors to this area.