Designed and built in 1885 by well-known architect E.G. Lind, the Gwinnett County Courthouse in Lawrenceville recently received a sensitive and comprehensive renovation, reopening its doors to the public in 1992. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building now offers a unique blend of traditional Old South charm and New South vitality.

 

The Historic Courthouse today provides a classic setting combined with modern meeting and event accommodations for business meetings, conferences, workshops, banquets, and receptions.

The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse has rediscovered its past and tradition as a center for community activity. A variety of special events is offered to the public throughout the year. Rooms within the Courthouse also are available for rental by businesses, organizations and individuals.

The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located within easy access of Metropolitan Atlanta, and is convenient to shopping, dining and other Gwinnett County attractions.

 

 

THE ARCHITECTURE

 

The original 1885 structure was altered in 1908 with the addition of a four-story belfry containing Seth Thomas clockworks.

From the original turret door on the main staircase, renovation architects recreated the style of the wood-carved moldings, door and window trim, and wainscoting.

An eclectic combination of Romanesque, Second Empire and Works Progress Administration (WPA) depression era construction styles, the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse was built during a period of aesthetic awakening in American architecture. During the building’s renovation, layers of original architectural detail were uncovered — cornices and palladian windows, carvings and ironwork, dentils and finial. The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse stands as a monument to craftsmen, masons, carpenters and engineers of a past age. Its renovation has made it possible for the building to take on a new life and welcome back its stately purpose - to serve its surrounding communities as a central meeting location.

The main meeting room of the Courthouse provides a nostalgic and graceful setting while carefully integrating modern conveniences such as lighting and sound. The Courthouse contains four smaller meeting rooms off the main hallway. Each room contains its own faux fireplace, conference tables, chandelier and focal lighting.

Originally used as a single courtroom (it was later divided into two courtrooms during the 1960s), the main meeting room of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse has been transformed into a premier meeting and banquet hall. The main meeting room accommodates seating for up to 220 persons lecture-style or for banquets. For receptions and networking events, the room comfortably holds up to 400.

The acoustical ceilings, modern lighting and sound, replicated period furnishings, wood wainscot, palladian windows, chandeliers, and two mantled faux fireplaces in the main meeting room provide a unique, nostalgic and comfortable atmosphere for any organizational or private affair.

The Judge’s Bench also serves as a sound-equipped podium, band box, or stage. The Courtroom’s private entrance and Grand Jury Room can be used as additional staging rooms.

The four smaller meeting rooms can each accommodate 12 people at the conference tables or 25 people when the seating is arranged lecture-style. For conferences or workshops held in the main meeting room, the smaller rooms provide ideal space for holding breakout sessions.

The hallway and meeting rooms display a series of revolving art exhibits throughout the year.

 

VISION OF THE PAST

The courtyard gazebo is the site of private functions, as well as community concerts and special events, throughout the year.

Many of the old courthouses on the squares in America have remained lost in the past. Some are being used as museums, while others simply have fallen into disuse once the lawyers, judges and administrators grew too numerous and located larger accommodations. With its recent renovation, however, the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse once again serves a distinct community purpose, offering a unique site for both public and private meetings and events.

 

Contact the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse to make arrangements for your next corporate retreat, business function or social affair.

The building is open to the public Monday through Friday
from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

 770-822-5450
185 Crogan Street 
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30246

This page is courtesy of the Gwinnett County Department of Human resources, Division of Parks & Recreation

Rentals are not managed by the Gwinnett Historical Society.