Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1855-04-07
CITyiyD STATE DEPARTMENT.

of this beautiful structure, which is now nearly
completed.
II i, of the Grccian Doric style Of architec-
ture and was built after design furnished by
VIM 5. Ellison, Esq, Civil Engineer and Arch
itect 1t occupies very nearly the site OF the
old building which was so long an eye sore to all
our citizens 1t fronts 10 the river - feet and
runs back 10 The defrot most obvious in the
plan is the want ofbrcdth--but for his the arehi
tect Is not 10 be held responsible, as, with the
ground at his disposition he could not enlarge
the dimensions. The Poriieo in front projects II
fpet.and has four columns feet in diameter * 30
high. The Tympanum has the only clock face
which the character of the building allowed TO be
put up. The Placement, which is elevated, Is Of
cut granite, the walls of the building of brick,
succeed, ind colorcd to initiate yellow sand
stone. The roof and Dome covered with tin.
There are projecting pedments at the sides, and
Il massive cornice all round.
From the portico the Hastings Court room is
entered, which is 81 by - feet, and very hand
somely finished. The District or Circuit Court
room is on the second floor il the west end, and
is - by 81 feet. On the same floor are four com
modious jury rooms, and two smaller depart
ments opening into the Court room, intended Tor
the use of the Court & for Library. On the first
floor four largo rooms intended for Clerk
Offices. Steps lead up on each side OF the eXte-
rior Of the building to doors which open into
large transverse passage, in which are circular
stnir-ways, with massive mahogany ratings lend
ing from the basement 10 the 2nd story. The de-
sign Il execution of these rails are admirable and
al, tIa nf Mr.
VIM. w. Coffee, as the workman entitled to their
credit. The front pult of the basement contains
the furnaces for heating the building. The Yves
tern room is fitted up with bar and benches, and
we hope will be used by his Honor, the Mayor, az
a Court room. The Dome is 30 feet in diameter,
surmounted by Cupola the top of which is 80
feet from the ground. The cost of the building
we learn will probably be about SOP 900.
We congratulate the contractors, Messrs. Hal
lett q Mace, on the manner in which they have
executed their obligation. The workmanship and
material throughout of the best quality, and
not surpassed by those of any public build
ing in this region of the State. The building, in
every respect, is highly creditabe TO the city
We understand the next session of the lIusting
Court will be held in the House.
The woodwork was done by the contractors
Messrs. lIalett & Mace The stone work was
executed by Mr.. James Matthias the brick
work by Mr.. George G.. Curc-the stuccoing
& plastering by Mr. Geo. b. McClese--the paint
ing by Mr. Jno. +. Woodson, and the tin work
ing 10y the Messrs. Bliss. All these gentlemen
may with great confidence, refer to their respec
tive contributions to this ediice, as evidence of
their skill and fidelity.
The building presents a very beautiful and
snowy appearance, and constitutes one of the
chief architectural ornaments of the place. Its
lofty and commanding site makes it n very con-
spcuous object, and its towering dome is the
first object that greets the eye from almost any
approach to the city. On the very spot where
short time ago stood our chief disgrace, now
stands our chief pride and ornament. That old
relic of antiquity and representative of primitive
ideas. the old Court House, which so long annoy
ed like an incubus, citizens with it, in
tolerable pre- sence has at last yielded TO the
hand of demolition, and as if by magic "A struc
ture whose beauty, admirable construction, and
imposing appearance challenge our admiration
and awaken our pride has risen in its place
The spot from which we have been accustomed
to turn with humiliation now regard with
earnest pleasure, and point 10 the object upon it
as creditable to the city and the State. We hope
this may be but the prelude to many other and
like architectural impr ovements, that soon will
adorn this city.