1914 – Courthouse, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
“Among the number of important constructional undertakings in British Columbia for which the well known Vancouver and Victoria firm of Thos. Hooper has acted in an architectural capacity is the new Court House at Vernon upon which the work of construction is now rapidly approaching completion. This building, consisting of four floors, occupies a commanding situation at the corner of Mara Avenue, Barnard Avenue and Eighth Street facing west, with the main entrance on Mara Avenue. The treatment followed in the design is Columar Ionic with a dignified main entrance portico paved with marble squares. The construction consists of reinforced concrete for the columns and floors, with exterior facing of local granite, the pitched roof and cresting of pediment being covered with copper. The pedestals at each side of the main entrance steps are surmounted by cast bronze candelabra. The provincial coat of arms has been placed over the main doorway, the doorway itself being of oak suitably carved. Marble wainscotting and terrazzo floors are features of the vestibule and corridors. The interior finish generally is executed in fir. The most outstanding feature of the interior design is the Supreme Court room which measures 50 x 75 feet over the galleries. This, apartment has panelled wainscotting to the height of the galleries and is treated with pilasters extending from floor to ceiling, the latter being heavily enriched with plaster work enclosing three large leaded lights. The fittings generally are of oak to the architects’ design.
Specially designed leadwork has been used in the windows of the staircase, court room and all doors having access from the corridors. The heating is on the Webster Modulating System. In the basement of the building are the coroners’ room and sheriffs’ office, police headquarters and offices in connection therewith, guard room, cell room, janitor’s quarters, storage vault and heating chamber. The main floor is occupied by the offices of the government agent, assessors, commissioners, inspectors and records. The second floor is approached by a wide corridor and the main staircase. Situated on this floor are the Supreme Court room and rooms for the judges, barristers, jury and witnesses, as well as the horticultural hall, a spacious apartment measuring 70 x 22 feet.
A considerable portion of the space on the third Hoor is taken up with public galleries extending around three sides of the Court Room. The remainder of this floor has been reserved for future use. Altogether the Vernon Court House may well be described as a structure which in its utilitarian qualities and general architectural treatment admirably fulfills the requirements of a public building of this class.”
Engineering and Contract Record, April 29, 1914
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Published May 21, 2026
