Woodbury County Courthouse

WOODBURY COUNTY COURTHOUSE – SIOUX CITY IOWA This architectural
masterpiece was designed by the Minneapolis architect George Grant Elmslie in
collaboration with Sioux City architect William L. Steele and Elmslie's partner,
William Gray Purcell, and was constructed from July 10, 1916 to March 1, 1918 at
a cost of $850,000. This building is the current courthouse. It is made of Sergeant
Bluff Roman brick with granite trim. It also has a 157-foot-tall tower on top of the
building and features sculptural work by Alfonso Iannelli over its doors. In 1973,
the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was declared
a National Historic Landmark in 1996 and it is the largest example of Prairie Style
architecture.
The Roman Brick are laid with very small head joints and large raked bed joints –
the result is a striking horizontal look. The combination of ornate Terra Cotta and
Stone Sculptures with Brick and Granite is complimented by the windows which are
artfully done - the stained glass and Terra Cotta dome dominates the interior
lobby.
The Dome provides natural light for the
Lobby. The same Roman Brick is used
extensively in the interior as well.
Alfonso Iannelli, a student of Gutzon Borglum (later famous for Mount Rushmore),
did the Sculpting in his Chicago Studio.
The Terra Cotta is extensive inside and outside. The 2nd floor courtrooms also
feature Roman Brick and skylights. The brick color can still be reproduced in the
Company’s “Gas Burn” shades at the current Sergeant Bluff plant.
Sioux City Brick is celebrating
100 years in business and we
feel that this fine structure
couldn’t do more to exemplify
the company’s continuing
dedication to quality products.
Your Sioux City Brick Team