HISTORIC COURTHOUSE

Santa Barbara, CA

The Courthouse has been called the most beautiful government facility in America, and claims to be the most photographed building in the country. The courthouse complex is comprised of four buildings, totaling 150,000 square feet. It is surrounded by lawns and a sunken tropical garden that plays host to many functions throughout the year. Like much of California, Santa Barbara's history has been shaped by the devastation of earthquakes. In 1925, a major earthquake laid waste to much of the city. It was rebuilt with a vengeance, and the leading design was the new courthouse. Befitting its Spanish heritage, the city turned to San Francisco architect William Mooser III, who was greatly influenced by his many years in Spain, to design the new courthouse. The design style is Spanish-Moorish, and it has a rich assemblage of both sandstone and cast stone materials. Interesting details can be found in the arch ways, stone base, window surrounds, stair railings and garden walls. Visitors may take an elevator to reach the observation deck of the 85 foot tall "El Mirador" clock tower. Work on the courthouse was completed in 1929, just as the country was on the precipice of the Great Depression.

Following the 2008 Los Angles Rotary Convention, my wife and I decided to take a few days to relax in the quaint town of Santa Barbara, just up the coast from Los Angeles. The town is perfect for strolling, with lots of shopping and restaurants. The city’s architecture is unified with its Spanish Mission theme, with some buildings surviving since the town was founded. The Courthouse is an interesting collage of masses and shapes.