The Dallas County Courthouse, also known as Old Red, has been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries. Construction began at the end of the 19th century. The building was repeatedly engulfed in flames but every time it was reborn like a phoenix. Read more about it on dallas-future.
How the Courthouse was reborn from the ashes
The first courthouse was built of wood in 1846. Later, it burned down. In 1850, when Dallas was recognized as the county seat, the authorities decided to rebuild the courthouse and make it of brick. The construction cost was $7,400. This helped save the building when the great Dallas fire in the 1960s destroyed most of the city. However, the building was subsequently demolished and rebuilt between 1871 and 1874. However, it caught fire again. In 1880, the architect James Flanders undertook the reconstruction of the building. A year later, it was again destroyed by fire.
Tired of constant rebuilding, the county government allocated $100,000 to create a building that would withstand even the most intense flames. The new project provided for the restoration of the remains of the building using limestone. This allowed the courthouse to last for 10 years when it burned to the ground again.
Finally, in 1890, $250,000 was allocated for the construction of the sixth courthouse. Construction was successfully completed two years later, just one year before the economy crashed and the four-year depression began in 1893. Architect M.A. Orlopp worked on the project. The basis of the building was steel and stone. The upper floors were made of red limestone, which is why the building was called Old Red. The lower floors were made of Arkansas blue granite. These materials were also used in the reconstruction of Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871. The original interior plan included 6 courtrooms, 2 libraries, 29 offices, 10 toilets and 2 passenger elevators.
One of the features of the new building was a tower with a large clock and bell weighing 4,500 pounds. However, it looked unreliable and due to the risk of collapse, it was demolished in 1919. In the following years, the original interior of the building also underwent changes. Simple wooden doors were replaced by more refined and carved ones. The main iron staircase was also destroyed to increase the space for offices. The installation of air conditioners and the destruction of stained glass windows led to an even greater deterioration of the aesthetics of Old Red.
Restoration of Old Red
A century after its construction, the Dallas City Council began a $23 million project to restore Old Red to its original appearance. James Pratt was appointed as the architect. He was able to restore the famous building based on old photographs. He restored the stained glass windows and grand staircase. New construction technologies made it possible to install a tower as well. The work was completed in 2007.
What is surprising about Old Red
The first floor displays items from the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture. The exhibition changes throughout the year but you can always learn more about the original building here. A favorite among visitors is the neon red Pegasus, which was originally created for the 1939 World’s Fair in New York.
Of the six original courtrooms, only the Hatton W. Sumners Hall, located on the fourth floor, remains. It was completely restored, including the judge’s bench and jury box.
During the restoration, one interesting element was found. Behind the bookshelf was a storage room. Restorers worked for weeks to reveal the facade, retaining much of the original paint, with vibrant colors and intricate patterns on all sides of the vault’s heavy steel doors. The documents inside the vault belonged to the Dallas County Treasurer.
