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Free Traveling Guides » States » Minnesota » Minneapolis - Saint PaulCity Hall & Courthouse
The Ramsey County Courthouse and the Saint Paul City Hall are situated in a spectacular twenty-story Art Deco skyscraper.
Construction occurred through the Great Depression, during the peak of unemployment and deflation. As a result, the funds for the structure were underspent. However, the quality was higher than expected.
The outer side of the building is made in the famous "American Perpendicular" Art Deco style. It is constructed of Indiana limestone, crafted by Holabird & Root of Chicago and Thomas Ellerbe & Company of Saint Paul. The architecture is claimed to be inspired by Eliel Saarinen, a Finnish architect. The vertical window rows are linked by black, plain and flat spandrels. Relief sculptures, designed by Lee Lawrie, can be noticed flanking the Third Street entrance and above the Fourth Street entrance.
The interior design was inspired by the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, a style that focuses on and sensuous curves and soft ornamentation. The style is known as "Zigzag Moderne".
The white and three-story black marble piers contrast combination on the floor leads to a gold-leaf ceiling. The woodwork is praiseworthy as well.
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