monroe county courthouse

Nice structure with huge dome, ceiling visible from the ground floor. (A former firm of mine oversaw its renovations in the 1980's, just after the courthouse was shown in the Oscar-winning movie "Breaking Away".) Anchors downtown Bloomington with an authentic small-town feel.Some other nice courthouses: Putnum in Greencstle - looks great when the entire block is lit up for Christmas; the towering Romanesque monolith in Tipton; and of course, the finest courthouse in the state (no bias here), the lavishly restored limestone 1880's Tippecanoe County courthouse in Lafayette. There are some books devoted to these structures, so enthusiasts who can't see them all can indulge in some of Indiana's finest institutional historic architecture.

How odd to be reviewing a public building but this is a beautiful building, recently repaired to keep it going strong. All the staff I interact with here in the course of a year are pleasant and helpful, delightfully unexpected.

They did a great job redoing the building. They have been having trouble with the homeless people defecating outside. Even smearing it on the handrails of the steps. This is disgusting. To treat such a beautiful building this way. They have been trying to stop it. Hopefully it is solved. If you like historic buildings it is worth going to see.

Please come visit the Courthouse if you come to Bloomington! Beautiful architecture, gorgeous remodel...spectacular rotunda (walk into the middle and look up)!!

This Courthouse has been renovated to remain in its original feel/nostalgia. This building is original limestone from Bloomington/Bedford, Indiana. These buildings were made to last! You must go inside and see the stained glass too. Bloomington, Indiana is amazing.