Ventura County Courthouse
Encyclopedia
The Ventura County Courthouse, also known as Ventura City Hall, located in Ventura, California
, was designed in 1910 by one of the early pioneers of architecture
in Southern California
: Albert C. Martin, Sr.
It now serves as the Ventura City Hall.
at the turn of the 20th century. It is also rich in details, including terra cotta ornamentation in the form of scrolls and floral designs, and friar's faces on the outer walls. The central chamber that originally housed the courtroom, and later became the home of the City Council, features dark maogany woodwork, a stained-glass skylight (pictured at left) and arched windows.
filmed "The Two Jakes
" (sequel to "Chinatown") at the building. In 1991, the Los Angeles Times said of the landmark structure: "Probably no local structure is more visually and symbolically dramatic, or as steeped in local legend. Perched like a lordly, lavish manor at the juncture of California and Poli streets, it overlooks the old town and the blue Pacific beyond -- a constant reminder of the past."
#847 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places
(NPS-71000211). Added to the National Register in August 1971, it was only the second building in Ventura County to receive the designation.
Ventura, California
Ventura is the county seat of Ventura County, California, United States, incorporated in 1866. The population was 106,433 at the 2010 census, up from 100,916 at the 2000 census. Ventura is accessible via U.S...
, was designed in 1910 by one of the early pioneers of architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
in Southern California
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
: Albert C. Martin, Sr.
Albert C. Martin, Sr.
Albert Carey Martin was an American architect and engineer.He founded the architectural firm of Albert C...
It now serves as the Ventura City Hall.
Architecture and design
When Albert C. Martin's plans were unveiled in 1911, the Los Angeles Times reported that the "Roman Doric order" design would be "one of the most imposing public structures in California, and a credit to the seat of government of the prosperous lima bean section." Built in 1912 at a cost of $225,000, the courthouse was dedicated in July 1913. The well-proportioned is an outstanding example of neo-classical architecture, a style prevalent in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
at the turn of the 20th century. It is also rich in details, including terra cotta ornamentation in the form of scrolls and floral designs, and friar's faces on the outer walls. The central chamber that originally housed the courtroom, and later became the home of the City Council, features dark maogany woodwork, a stained-glass skylight (pictured at left) and arched windows.
Preservation and subsequent usage
In 1968, the courthouse was condemned as an earthquake risk, but the city bought the structure and spent $3.4 million to renovate it as Ventura's City Hall. In June 1989, actor-director Jack NicholsonJack Nicholson
John Joseph "Jack" Nicholson is an American actor, film director, producer and writer. He is renowned for his often dark portrayals of neurotic characters. Nicholson has been nominated for an Academy Award twelve times, and has won the Academy Award for Best Actor twice: for One Flew Over the...
filmed "The Two Jakes
The Two Jakes
The Two Jakes is a 1990 American mystery film, and a sequel to the 1974 film Chinatown.Directed by and starring Jack Nicholson, it also features Harvey Keitel, Meg Tilly, Madeleine Stowe, Richard Farnsworth, Frederic Forrest, Pia Gronning, David Keith, Rubén Blades, Tracey Walter and Eli Wallach...
" (sequel to "Chinatown") at the building. In 1991, the Los Angeles Times said of the landmark structure: "Probably no local structure is more visually and symbolically dramatic, or as steeped in local legend. Perched like a lordly, lavish manor at the juncture of California and Poli streets, it overlooks the old town and the blue Pacific beyond -- a constant reminder of the past."
Historic designation
The courthouse is registered as California Historical LandmarkCalifornia Historical Landmark
California Historical Landmarks are buildings, structures, sites, or places in the state of California that have been determined to have statewide historical significance by meeting at least one of the criteria listed below:...
#847 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
(NPS-71000211). Added to the National Register in August 1971, it was only the second building in Ventura County to receive the designation.