047 of 254  Denton County Courthouse, Denton, Texas.  County Population:  861,690

Denton County, Texas

The courthouse seen from the TWU campus.

Denton County courthouse, circa 1939, courtesy TXDOT.

Denton County Courthouse 1896

"On July 3, 1895, the Commissioners' Court authorized the construction of a new building specifying 'the Romanesque style of Architecture for the Denton County Courthouse as shown in the design prepared by Architect J. R. Gordon.  Subsequent study of Gordon's plans resulted in his discharge for some reason not recorded. The commission was then awarded to architect W.C. Dodson who was ordered to prepare plans, specification and details, as well as to supervise construction by contractor Tom Lovell."
"Centered in the public square atop an eminence, the Denton County Courthouse is comprised of a group of imposing masses. Each façade consists of a five part composition with a projecting pavilion emphasizing the entrance. Each entrance pavilion is enriched by a Roman- arched opening, two ranges of columns and a triangular pediment. At each corner is a series of balconies surmounted by a tower with an ogival roof.
"The dominant feature of the composition is the central octagonal tower rising above a broad platform with four ancillary domes, a composition which was most certainly inspired by the dome of the Cathedral, Florence Italy (1296).
"In Romanesque style, one of Texas' most prominent nineteenth-century architects created a building with extra ordinary richness incorporating a combination of forms that is similar in concept to many other courthouses but unique in composition."  From the National Register listing narrative

The central tower is the best feature of this building.

The roof top and towers, seen from a distance

Image courtesy courthousehistory.com

I'm not a fan of this building. I believe the proportions and massing are awkward. The "open" corner balcony supporting a "heavy" masonry tower doesn't work.

The new Denton County Courts building has replaced the 1896 courthouse which is now used as a museum and offices, with limited courtrooms.

Located east of the historic courthouse on E. McKinney

Architect: Phillips Swager Associates

The newest Denton County courthouse nears completion in these October 13, 2021 photos

HDR Architecture & Sundt Construction are responsible for design and construction

This building is part of the Denton County Administration Complex Phase III

Phase III also includes site development work on over 10 acres with associated parking, a community park, and water quality and utility improvements.

The clock works!