Daley Center Courthouse, The Heart Of Chicago's Government

By Maryellen Lamb


Chicago, Illinois is the location of the Daley Center Courthouse. Erected in 1965 and designed by Jacques Brownson, an accomplished architect, it was originally called the Chicago Civil Center. It was renamed for Mayor Richard J. Daley a few days prior to his death in 1965.

This building features a unique brown and red color. This is caused by rusting of a special type of steel called Cor-Ten. As the building ages it rusts, turns color, and becomes stronger. With 30 floors, it is considered taller than any other building in the world with fewer than 40 stories.

Contrary to the classical architectural style, the Daley Center was the first Chicago major public building to be built in the modern style. It is an international approach based on famous steel and glass skyscrapers designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a famous architect.

Many innovations were used, many of which were previously unheard of. This included things such as twelve exterior columns, shaped like a cross, with no columns at all on the inside. The building was constructed by the Chicago Public Building Commission at a cost of $87 million dollars, which was financed by revenue bonds. May of 1965 is when the first occupants moved in.

The Richard J. Daley Center contains is considered the center of the City of Chicago's government. It has the Cook County Law Library, over 120 hearing and courtrooms, court-related sections of the Sheriff's Department and the Clerk of the Circuit Court offices. There is also office space for various Chicago and Cook County government businesses.

The Daley Plaza, a courtyard, is located next to the courthouse. It has outstanding features, such as an eternal flame memorial to honor all war veterans. Also noticeable is a fountain, which spouts red water in memory of the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks Stanly Cup run. Another prominent feature is a 50-foot statue sculptured by Pablo Picasso and presented by him as a personal gift to the city. This area is also utilized by events such as farmers' markets, festivals, and so forth.

The history of the Picasso sculpture is interesting. When approached to create this piece of art he not only agreed to do it but also insisted that there be no charge. He presented a completed 42 inch model to the people of Chicago and engineers drew up the drawings for the completed statue. The sculpture itself was created by the United States Steel Corporation in Gary, Indiana. After being assembled, and disassembled, it was moved to the plaza and put into place in 1967.

The Daley Center Courthouse houses a great deal more than court and hearing rooms. People come there daily for things such as marriage licenses, paying traffic tickets, seeking vital statistics, child support services, and hundreds of other things. It is truly the heart of Chicago government business. The locations also attractions millions of people each year to view this magnificent structure. Tours are available, led by docents who provide a complete history of the building, its constructions, and its uses. It is truly one of the best examples of outstanding architecture available.




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