Built in the fashionable Richardsonian Romanesque style, the courthouse design centered on a 142-foot high corner clock tower, but the top and some other details were removed in 1948.

The terra cotta bas-relief sculpture on the west wall is an allegory of Blind Justice, flanked by Harmony and Strife.

The courthouse in Red Oak, IA, is almost identical, but reversed (both designed by H. C. Koch).

A new steeple was installed on the clock tower in Nov. 2004 to replace the one that was removed in 1949 due wind damage.

See the Fairfield Ledger newspaper story about Lee Gobble and his efforts to restore the steeple.

More details are on the Prairie Architects website (also find out about plans for the roof).