The Trumbull County Courthouse, a National Register Landmark, was constructed in 1895 and is the third courthouse on the same site (previous structures destroyed by fire). Architects La Belle & French, of Marion, Indiana were inspired by H.H. Richardson’s Allegheny, Pennsylvania County Courthouse.

When the restoration architects undertook this commission in 1993, few original documents existed. A hand-written contract for “fresco work” was discovered, resulting in an investigation to determine the original decorations which had been obliterated.

The building was found to contain non-compatible internal mezzanine additions within the tall floors, suspended ceilings, infilled transom windows, and internal subdivision by partitioning. All original lighting fixtures had been removed and the woodwork, marble floors, and pressed metal and plaster ceilings were damaged.

Although it required a complete replacement of infrastructure, addition of a stair and elevator, hazardous materials abatement, and a complete roof replacement, the building was required to maintain occupancy during the entire period of its rehabilitation.

Part of the roof was removed and air handling units were set within the attic. The building has a cruciform plan, which lent itself to creating four utility shafts, each at an inside corner. In order to entirely preserve the high pressed metal and plaster ceilings in the entry public corridors, monumental stair, and courtrooms, all infrastructure was distributed through these shafts and horizontally through carefully planned support zones. All ceilings at the perimeter were returned to their original condition, and interior and exterior transom windows were restored. A partial basement was enlarged to accommodate the heating equipment and main electrical switch gear. A new elevator was inserted to provide access to a restored original mezzanine, which was previously used only for storage.

No original lighting fixtures existed. One photograph showing an original lighting fixture was used to recreate the chandeliers, which featured a gas component and electrical component.

The completed Courthouse contains five courtrooms, a Magistrate’s Hearing Room, Clerk of Courts, Grand Jury and Petit Jury. The County Law Library was relocated across the street into the original 1906 City Library also restored by the architects.