Luzerne County Courthouse


The Luzerne County Courthouse is a historic county courthouse located in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The building houses the government of Luzerne County.

History

Development

The courthouse was designed by architect Frederick John Osterling and built between 1906 and 1909. It is a cruciform plan building in the Classical Revival style, with a domed central rotunda 53 feet in diameter. It is built of Ohio sandstone, reinforced concrete, and terra cotta. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

21st century restoration

Citing a century of damage, the county contracted Connecticut-based John Canning Studios for a $2.13 million restoration and conservation project. Having been in the building since the summer of 2017, technicians and artisans have repaired a multitude of artwork and design damaged by past water leakage, efflorescence, high-wattage lighting, cigarette smoke, and neglect. An LED lighting system that will illuminate the dome for 20 to 30 years without harming the finishes was engineered. Only six of the 60 dome lights had been working. The project ended in April 2018, when remaining scaffolding came down.

Courthouse grounds

The courthouse grounds connect with the River Common. The Market Street Bridge bisects the park. Its features include a 750-person amphitheater, paved walk-ways, gardens, ornamental trees, seating areas, a fishing pier, and two grand gateways connecting the city to the river. There are also views of the courthouse from across the river.

Gallery