The land the court house stands on once was a town park with several statues resting on each of the four corners. When the state of North Carolina felt a need for a county court, it decided to to build on the location due to the centralize location and proximity to City Hall . The Courthouse is a three-story limestone-sheathed building which was completed in 1926. Later years, the north and south facades were added in 1958-1960, The third courthouse to stand on the site. Northup & O'Brien, a prominent Winston-Salem architectural firm whom designed city Hall and others on the tour. This would be the only courthouse the firm ever designed. Their successor firm, Lashmit, James, Brown and Pollock designed the 1959-1960 additions. If you view the building from the side, the additions can be seen. The roof lines of the additions were lower than the main building. At one time the south side of the building was the main entrance with an expansive green space.
The building retains a good deal of integrity despite minor interior alterations in 1974 to create additional county government offices. The period of significance extends from the completion of the courthouse in 1926 to 1963 reflecting the long period of its role in local government and law.
Today, the court house has been renovated into luxury apartment homes with the majority of the details still intact. Please be respectful. The doors are locked to visitors.
The Former Forsyth County Court House is on the National Register of Historic Places.
*Interesting fact. During the Forsyth County Centennial Celebration in 1949, the city burried a time capsule. The time capsule was buried on the lawn of the courthouse. The metal capsule was round and long similar to a rocket. See for yourself a picture of the capsule courtsey of www.digitalforsyth.org/photos/495, 494 and 492.
Are you enjoying the town?
*This concludes your "Talk".
Next stop is the RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company located at 401 North Main Street on the next block North. If you need a break this would be the perfect stop. The lobby has changed, but please walk in to enjoy a cold beverage or something light to eat at "The Katharine". The Kimpton Hotel has made the building it's new home.