Old DuPage County Courthouse

The Old DuPage County Courthouse is a red brick county courthouse in Wheaton featuring round-topped windows, stone trim, and multiple turrets across its roofline. The heavy masonry walls and detailed ornamentation reflect the Richardsonian Romanesque style popular for public buildings of that era.

The building was designed in 1896 by architect Mifflin E. Bell and served as DuPage County's administrative center until its replacement in 1990. A lightning strike in 1988 destroyed the original tower, after which the structure was carefully reconstructed to preserve its historical character.

The courthouse hosted numerous trials, including a 1924 case where attorney Clarence Darrow defended George Munding in a regionally significant proceeding.

The building was converted into residential condominiums in the mid-2000s and is not open for public tours as a courthouse. You can view the exterior architecture and grounds, which offer a good look at the historical facade from the street and surrounding area.

The building once hosted legal proceedings with notable attorneys like Clarence Darrow, who shaped local legal history through their courtroom work. This role as a center for significant cases became part of the heritage preserved when the structure was carefully restored after storm damage.

Location: Illinois

Location: Wheaton

Architects: Mifflin E. Bell

Architectural style: Richardsonian Romanesque

GPS coordinates: 41.86392,-88.10396

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:04