For the citizens and visitors of Hood County, Texas, the courthouse in the middle of the town square has been a beacon of beauty and history for all to see and the county to use as offices and courtrooms. Recently though, the interior of the courthouse has begun to look a little unkempt and luckily for all of us Hood County and the Texas Historical Commission partnered together in 2008 to make this old girl beautiful again.
Built in 1890 and designed by W.C. Dodson in the Second Empire style, this courthouse is similar to others in Texas with its three stories and mansard roof treatment. Through the years the original zinc roof has been soldered, painted, tarred, and finally replaced with lead coated copper and zinc in 2008 with the help of the Texas Historical Commission once again.
The business owners were obliged to cooperate in the beginning of the renovations in 2009 as the entire parking lot around the Courthouse was torn up and 120 geothermal wells (265 deep) were dug to create a natural heating and cooling system for the entire Courthouse. The shrubbery around the building was also removed but all the historic Pecan trees are still standing and gorgeous.
One of the most beautiful changes to the Hood County Courthouse has been the addition of new red trimmed windows that are weatherproof and able to be opened and closed. Wooden shutters that were original to the building will soon adorn these new windows as well. All the tin ceilings have been restored to their original condition and the wooden floors throughout the building are now gleaming with the help of tung oil. Safes located in the Treasurer's and Judge's offices have been restored and look just as they did in 1890. All the woodwork and trimwork has been restored as well.
The courtroom on the second floor has been restored to its original look with the original dimensions that were in place when the Courthouse was built. The restorers discovered stenciling and decorative painting on the courtroom walls and this has been restored as well. 
The signature of the Hood County Courthouse is and has always been the hand-wound Seth Thomas Tower Clock that is the focal point for the entire square. Broken and silent for many years is has been renewed and is almost ready to keep time for residents and visitors alike as the original McShane Bell rings every hour.
Now that the restoration is almost complete, the Hood County Courthouse is once again functioning as it was intended---with county offices and county court business being held during the week. Justice of the Peace offices are now is use as well as County Constable offices. County Judges' offices will be on the first floor and the Hood County Historical Commission's room will also be located on the first floor with many original furnishings used to enhance this room.
The Courtroom on the 2nd floor will be used by the County Court and the Justice of the Peace Court. The courtroom has also been equipped to accommodate the County Commissioner's Court session. An information systems department will be housed on the third floor and there are additional offices available for other future needs.
All of us here in Hood County are ecstatic to have our beautiful lady once again gleaming and ready for service. The exterior of the Hood County Courthouse was restored in 2000 so now she is beautiful inside and out. According to the National Register of Historic Places, the town square of Granbury is one of the most complete nineteenth century courthouse squares in Texas. The buildings surrounding the Courthouse complete the picture of nineteenth century commerce and it is something you just don't want to miss seeing.
Lake Granbury is beautiful and full to the brim for all water activities so plan a trip today to come check out our glorious new Courthouse and enjoy the lake and the square and all Granbury has to offer. If you would like to see what homes might be available then we at Gardner Real Estate,LLC are available to show you properties in any price range from waterfront homes, golf homes, acreage properties and historical homes.
Visit us today at http://www.granbury-real-estate.com and learn why so many folks are deciding to call Granbury home!!
Comments(0)