Another
one of those great landmarks that has seen better
times. The Nueces County Courthouse lies just out
of reach of Corpus Christi’s tourist district -- a
temptation to those stricken with the architecture
bug. Though it is officially neo-classical in design,
it fits in very well with the Spanish colonial designs
so common in the area. It has been victimized by an
unfortunate renovation effort on the north side; an
effort that appears to have been abandoned around
the same time the building was surrounded with razor
wire. This is the second courthouse on this spot.
The first was built in 1856. Since the city is frequently
lashed by hurricanes, the new courthouse was built
extra-tough. It is an exuberance of poured concrete,
stonework, steel beams, and other reinforcement. Even
the chair rails are made of marble.
A plaque outside reads:
"Nueces
County Courthouse of 1914. In 1853 lawlessness in
Nueces County, which covered most of the area from
Corpus Christi to the Mexican border, prompted the
construction of the first county courthouse on this
block. Three lots were purchased for $300 from Corpus
Christi founder, Henry Lawrence Kinney (1814-1865).
A second courthouse was built in the mid-1870s beside
the first. Under the administration of county judge
Walter E. Timon (1872-1952), this neo-classical
structure was completed in 1914 at a cost of $250,000.
The architect, Harvey L. Page (1859-1934) of Washington,
D.C., designed the International & Great Northern
railroad station in San Antonio and Laguna Gloria
in Austin, home of former Corpus Christi resident
Clara Driscoll. Additions were made to the buildings
in the 1930s and 1960s. Courtrooms and offices were
on the first four floors. The top two floors, separated
from the rest of the building by an air space to
eliminate noise, served as the jail. In addition
to government offices, apartments were provided
until the 1950s for the jailer and other county
officials. During storms which almost leveled the
city, hundreds of refugees sought shelter here.
In 1977 County offices moved to a new courthouse
building. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1979."
