Charlotte County Courthouse
Posted by: 
rogueblack
N 26° 56.076 W 082° 03.015
17R E 395735 N 2979624
Historic old Charlotte County Courthouse in downtown Punta Gorda, Florida.
Waymark Code: WM2WX0
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 01/01/2008
Views: 78
Charlotte County was created in 1921, after citizens had pushed for 34 years to divide DeSoto County, and Punta Gorda was the new county seat. After meeting in rented quarters, the Board of County Commissioners voted in 1927 to plan a new building and purchased two downtown lots from George Brown (1868-1951), an African-American businessman for $25,000.
The Charlotte County Courthouse, a Neo-Classical structure with Greek and Roman influences, was designed by architects Leitner and Henson of St. Petersburg, Florida. Large pediments and columns create a grandiose facade with a parapet roof. Original plans were changed to provide a second floor jail and living quarters for the jailer and his family. Costs totaled $200,000. The building was dedicated on March 20, 1928.
Expanded in the 1960s and 1980s to accomodate the changing needs of Charlotte County residents, the Courthouse served as the center of civic and community life for 71 years until the Justice Center opened in 1999. The modern additions were removed and later the Courthouse was closed, until the Board of County Commissioners voted in 2005 to revitalize the structure, restore the facade to its 1928 appearance and rehabilitate the interior, preserving this important historical landmark for public use.
The marker and the building are located at 227 Taylor Street.
Marker Number: 2006
Date: 2006
County: Charlotte
Marker Type: Plaque
Sponsored or placed by: Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners
Website: Not listed
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