Think it Through Thoroughly

And now for something completely different. Like other small cities around the country, Marion, Indiana has been hard hit by decades of economic downturn. And although town center appears vital, with some handsome buildings, few would argue the downtown has seen better days. Many of those brick and mortar stalwarts are empty. The centerpiece, as is so often the case, is the courthouse square. The subject of today’s blog. The “lifers” of Marion will have to forgive me.

I have been amazed by the lack of historical integrity (or is it pride) of the Grant County Courthouse. Sure, fires have a way of really ruining an otherwise nice day. One such, many decades ago, destroyed the dome of this courthouse. Although I am sure there were those who tried, nothing ever came to fruition to replace it. Understandable considering Marion was a vital part in the midst of WW2. America had peoples to free and protect. Who was concerned about a dome? Could we not live without it? Besides, the courthouse was still impressive even without a dome. It still is. From a strategic angle.

Somewhere along the way all reason fell apart as these before and after images show. Comparing the top two images, (enlarge for total viewing pleasure) looking in about the same direction, the postcard being at a much higher angle, you can see what once was. Regarding the photo I recently took, you may be asking, "Why is there a metal storage shed on top the courthouse?" "Does someone work up there?" "Is lawn equipment kept inside?" “Was it deposited there from a nearby farm during a tornado?“ Considering the lack of integrated design thought, either question is legitimate. Indeed, why would anyone approve such an unsightly addition to this magnificent structure? I do not know what it’s purpose is. Well…obviously it could be housing air conditioning units. Fine. Just house it in a shape more compatible with Neoclassical architecture. Note: All architecture historians help me out here with this turn of the century style.

You will also see a dark green octagon shape behind the “shed.” Better seen in the bottom image, this could have been an asset if it were a green-tinted glass dome. But it is made of metal. Since it is in the center of the building, it must cover the hole left by the destroyed dome. The color goes in the right direction, though.

Finally, compare the bottom two images again. Both show the same side of the building, yet viewed from opposite ends. The original square sported a park-like setting but “someone” (the group known as, “They“) has decide that wooden park “shelters” would go nicely with the period architecture. No doubt a thoughtful idea, it has gone terribly wrong.

Bad design decisions haunt forever. Especially when you are working with metal or stone. Those materials generally last a long, long time.