Washoe County Courthouse, Neoclassical courthouse in Reno, United States.
Washoe County Courthouse is a Classical Revival building at 117 S. Virginia St. in Reno, Nevada, constructed in 1910–11 for $250,000. It replaced an earlier courthouse on the same site and was the first solo commission of Nevada architect Frederic J. DeLongchamps. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Built in 1910–11 for $250,000, the courthouse replaced an earlier building on the same site. It became central to Nevada's divorce industry: in 1931 more than 4,800 divorces were processed in northern Nevada, most through this courthouse, and divorcing parties spent $5,000,000 a year in Reno. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
The courthouse was designed by Frederic J. DeLongchamps as his first independent project, establishing an architectural language for civic buildings across Nevada. Inside, the spaces reflect the formal dignity expected of courts during that era.
The building sits in downtown Reno and is easy to reach on foot, with clear visibility from the street. Keep in mind this is an active courthouse, so some areas may be restricted or require security screening.
The 1910 building replaced an earlier courthouse on the same site and cost $250,000. In 1931 alone, more than 4,800 divorces were processed in northern Nevada, most through this courthouse, and divorcing parties spent $5 million a year in Reno. It joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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