Blind Justice - Pontotoc, MS - Relief Art Sculptures on Waymarking.com

County of courthouse: Pontotoc County
Location of courthouse: Washington St. & Main St., Pontotoc
Built: 1916
Architect: N. W. Overstreet, A. I. A. Jackson, MS and Mahan & Broadwell of Memphis, TN
Phone: 662-489-3921
Restoration 2006: Belinda Stewart Architects

"78. (C) 12 Washington Street Pontotoc County Courthouse Brick, tripartite building. Center section is three stories over basement with red tile deck-on-hip roof fronted by a colonnade of four Tuscan columns flanked by two piers which are linked by a low wall. These elements are composed of blocks of glazed terra-cotta. The first floor is reached by a broad flight of steps. The facade is divided into bays by pilasters that reflect the columns. The three center bays were originally double-leaf doors, but the outside bays have been enclosed with tinted plate glass windows. The center bay has double-leaf tinted glass and bronzed metal doors. Over each doorway is a bust in glazed terra-cotta of Blind Justice. All windows are 1/1 DHW. The attic story (3rd floor) is divided into openings by four short piers which correspond to the four columns of the colonnade. Two clock faces occupy the space on each end of the attic story. A modillioned entablature separates the colonnade from the attic story. The two end sections of the building are two stories over a basement with deck-on-hip red tile roofs and pilasters which divide the facade into bays of 1/1 DH double windows. A modillioned cornice tops all three sections of the building. All of the decorative elements are terra-cotta. This building was completed in late 1916." ~ NRHP Nomination Form

"At the exterior, the rich glazed terracotta detailing was severely deteriorated, along with the metal soffit details and terracotta roofing. The arch topped courtroom windows had been covered with vinyl siding and many of the other existing wood windows were in poor condition. At the interior, much of the original materials and elements remained, but had been covered. Dropped acoustic tile ceilings had been added throughout most of the building, including the courtroom, along with veneer paneling over the walls.

"During this project the exterior glazed terracotta was fully restored, requiring recasting of several pieces. The metal cornice was restored along with the original wood windows. A new roof was installed, including the front balcony. The grand front porch steps were restored including removal of the non-original brick finish and providing new handrails and light standards. The interior court spaces were restored to their original character. The tall arched windows were uncovered, and the court and back court layouts were returned to their original configurations with the judge facing south. The dropped ceiling was removed exposing the original decorative plaster ceiling, wall, decorative trims and other finishes. Elements from the original balustrade were found, replicated and reinstalled at the jury box, judge’s bench, witness stand and dividing rail between court and public areas. New pews in character with the original balustrade were designed and installed. The outline of an original cartouche was uncovered over the judges, replicated and reinstalled in the same location. The original “Back Court” areas were also restored incorporating new heating and air systems, electrical systems and other modern necessities while maintaining the character and original finishes of the space." ~ Belinda Stewart Architects