Historic Buildings In Crown Point Indiana

One of the coolest features of Crown Point are some of the cool old buildings and homes that still stand around the city. Here is a simple over view of some of the historic sites around Crown Point. Of course, the Lake County Courthouse in downtown Crown Point offers the most famous of all of these.

The old Lake County Courthouse is fondly called the “Grand Old Lady”. It is a combination of architectural styles, including Romanesque and Georgian. It was designed by J. C. Cochran of Chicago, Illinois. It was dedicated for use in 1880.

Old Sheriff’s Office House

photo of Old Sheriff's House, Crown Point. AroundCrownPoint.com

The old Lake County sheriff’s home (home built in the late 1880’s) and jail located at 232 S. Main St. is an example of second Empire architecture with its central tower topped with a mansard roof and bracketed cornice. A large jailing area was added at the rear of the Sheriff’s house in 1926. Eventually, however, the house portion of the building was occupied by the warden of the jail with the Sheriff rarely entering the building. Of course, this is also the exact building that John Dillinger made his famous escape from in 1934. The building was featured in the hit movie “Public Enemies.”

Tours are offered of the Old Sheriff’s house on Saturdays from 10 AM to 1:00 PM. Cost is $5 per person for adults and $2 for kids under 11.

Carnegie Center, Library

The Crown Point Public Library opened in 1908 on Main Street almost directly across from the Old Sheriff’s House.  Andrew Carnegie donated the original $12,000 to open the building which is still used today.

Carnegie Center, Library AroundCrownPoint.com

The Chesire Hall

The Cheshire Hall, 103 W. Joliet, is considered a good example of the Italianate style

The Masonic Temple

Masonic Temple, built 1919 AroundCrownPoint.com

Masonic Temple, 213 S. Main St., stands out in the architecture of Crown Point because it looks very much today as it did when first built in 1919.

Some cool homes located in Crown Point.

Downtown Crown Point Indiana Map

1. 

   daltonsbriefs says:

   July 19, 2010 at 4:26 pm

   Both Valparaiso and Crown Point have done a terrific job ensuring the preservation of their historic buildings and downtown.

   reply