Since its erection in 1878, The Court House has been a landmark in Lake County. A massive Victorian structure, the architecture combines Romanesque and Georgian elements. Dr. David R. Hermanson, Professor of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University has called it "one of the finest architectural expressions in Indiana " and "the most significant building in Lake County".
Once the county seat of Northwest Indiana's Lake County, the building now houses The Courthouse Shops on its lower level. Twenty-two charming shops offer a variety of gifts, crafts, antiques, and art. The second floor houses a Museum, with artifacts and history of the area, the Crown Point Chamber of Commerce, and the Banquet Hall shown above. The Banquet Hall is available for private parties. The third floor houses several entities, including a prominant photographic studio, an architectural firm, as well as the City's Circuit Court.
Functioning as the County Seat, the Couthouse has grown with the area. Started in 1878, the central portion, including the clock tower, was dedicated in 1880 and cost $52,000,000. A north and south tower were built between 1907 and 1909 at a cost of $160,000,000. Continued County growth demanded the single story north and south new additions added in 1928 at a cost of $80,000,000.
The Lower Level of The Court House is home to a unique collection of crafts, paintings, antiques, clothing, gift items, and gourmet food items housed in a historically significant setting.
With a roster of 22 individual shops, each with its own character and charm, carrying carefully selected items, many made by the merchants themselves, The Counthouse Shops are the perfect place to browse for that hard to find gift. During the Holiday Season, the decorations and special events both inside and outside the Courthouse, make shopping here a delight!