Courthouse on John Street

When Utica was incorporated as a city in 1832, there was a growing need for a Court House devoted exclusively to the business of administering justice. The old Academy, had served as a joint court house and school. The County decided to build a new court house in Utica, which was completed in 1852

The building, situated in front of the old Academy on John street, was sixty feet in width and ninety in length. On the first floor there were several apartments, for the accommodation of juries, officers. The court room, on the second floor, was seventy-three feet long and fifty-eight wide, with height to correspond. The exterior of the building was plain with the exception of four Corinthian pillars on the front and a cupola.

In 1875, the building was completely remodeled. For more than half a century, this building served as the court house of the County in Utica. Through its portals passed the distinguished members of the Bench and Bar of the State —men prominent and powerful in the political affairs of the State and Nation — Roscoe Conkling, Francis Kernan, Horatio Seymour and others.

Courthouse on Elizabeth Street prior to 1960s renovation

On February 20, 1900, at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, it is proposed that a committee inspect the John Street courthouse and decide whether a new courthouse is needed.  The Chamber’s committee members discover that the timbers supporting the courthouse are rotting.  It is decided that a new courthouse be built.

In 1901 the newly organized Courthouse Commission picked the site for the new courthouse. It is a block of houses bounded by Elizabeth, Charlotte and Mary streets. The cost of the land is $72,687.

After some legal wrangling over the cost of construction, the Board of Supervisors authorizes the borrowing of $350,000 for the courthouse.  Fourteen architects submit plans for the new courthouse. Olin W. Cutter, of Boston, is chosen.

The new courthouse will be of steel construction and fireproof.  The least possible amount of wood is to be used in the building.  The roof will be of copper.  It is determined that the new courthouse will eventually cost $875,000. That figure does not include furnishings, which will cost about $50,000.

Courthouse as it looks today

On April 4, 1905, Gov. Higgins signs the statute giving the Courthouse Commission the authority to spend the $875,000.  On May 25, the commission examines bids to determine who will build the new courthouse. They pick a bid of $730,000 submitted by Connor Brothers Construction of Lowell, Mass.

Completed in the fall of 1908, the public is invited to inspect its new courthouse and 5,000 county residents turn out.  Most have nice things to say about the building. No one seems to begrudge the money spent on it.

It is noted that the building has 4,816 lights.  It also is noted that the law library has 16,000 volumes.  The Courthouse is fully occupied by January 1910.

In 1957, the steps on the Elizabeth Street side begin to deteriorate and are removed.  The courthouse was renovated in the early 1960s.  Another renovation, was performed in 1973.