Elk County Courthouse

[W. Gray]

Summarized from Patrick Zollner's (Deputy State historic Preservation Officer, Kansas State Historical Society) April 22, 2009, narrative to the US Department of the Interior:

Elk County, Kansas Courthouse

Building measures 89 x 74 feet

Features a yellow/bull-color brick, exterior with red-tinted mortar.

Concrete floor of the basement level was poured atop an area filled and tamped solid with broken stone and earth. [Perhaps they used some of the standing walls of the burned courthouse for the fill]

With the exception of a few in filled openings on the ground level, the original window design remains intact.

Metal storm windows were installed on all the double-hung windows in the 1960s and there are several window air conditioners in use.

The hipped roof was originally constructed using red clay tile, which it retains.

The lower level flat rooftops were covered with tin, according to the original plans. These sections were replaced with red standing seam metal roof approximately fifteen years ago.

The building's main front-facing elevation is located on the west side facing Pine Street and is defined by a central clock tower that rises 40 feet above the building

In addition to the west with a formal interior staircase rising to the second floor, there are entrances on the north and south sides with interior staircases for access to all three levels. In 1977, the interior staircase at the west entrance was modified to accompany a new elevator shaft.

The basement level was designated for use by the sheriff, the superintendent (the supervisor over land surveying), and the surveyors.

A farmers assembly room was included, along with the boiler room and a fuel room for coal.

The main level included the register of deeds, county clerk, treasurer, probate judge and the commissioner's meeting room.

The upper level was set aside for the courtroom, two jury rooms, and space for the court clerk and office for the county attorney.

An appraiser and appraisal staff now uses the farmers' assembly room.

The main level still includes the same services as in 1907, but district court clerk now uses the probate court office.

On the upper level, the Emergency Management Director now occupies one office.

The interior walls, original partitions, and ceilings are of concrete with a skim coat to resemble plaster.

Doors and doorjambs are of oak. The stair system was built with oak banisters, but the treads are of pine.

Two-dozen ornamental fireplaces were installed originally and burned coal. Oak mantels were used. Several fireplaces were removed from the second floor during the 1976-1977 courtroom remodeling but eighteen remain.

The building is heated by a boiler system that powers a series of radiators located throughout the building.

The current boiler was installed 55 years ago.

The building is an excellent example of an eclectic blend of late 19th and early 20th century architectural styles including Richardsonian Romanesque and Italian Renaissance.

[michael6076]

I have always liked the Elk County courthouse.  --A nice-looking building!  Thanks for the information!!!

[Dee Gee]

The Wichita Eagle included the Elk County Court houst in this Gallery of Kansas Court house. I enjoyed the pictures.
http://www.kansas.com/2011/01/26/1692810/kansas-county-courthouses.html

[W. Gray]

How about that Lyon County courthouse built in 2002?

All of those Kansas courthouses are magnificent looking, but some look like the maintenance costs could be pretty hefty.