Travis County Courthouse

The Travis County Courthouse is a six-story courthouse in Austin built from cream-colored limestone with rectangular forms and vertical window bays featuring precise stonework. The building houses two elevators and multiple courtrooms for civil cases, criminal trials, and county administrative offices.

Built between 1930 and 1931 during the Great Depression, the courthouse received federal funding of 415,000 dollars through the Public Works Administration program. This investment supported the construction of a major civic building during an economically difficult period.

The courthouse reflects PWA Moderne design, which blends Art Deco details with classical forms to express civic authority through its appearance. Visitors can see this architectural blend in the precise stonework and interior spaces throughout the building.

The building has two elevators and is straightforward to navigate when visiting its various courtrooms and administrative areas. Visitors should be aware that security procedures may be in place as this is an active courthouse.

The interior spaces feature geometric patterns made from marble, bronze, and terrazzo, with a grand staircase decorated in brass fittings. These handcrafted details from the 1930s remain in their original form today.

Location: Texas

Architects: Charles Henry Page

Architectural style: PWA Moderne

Floors above the ground: 6

Elevators: 2

GPS coordinates: 30.27300,-97.74500

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:00