The Historic Library & Courts Building: An Architectural Treasure
Introduction
The Library & Courts Building located at 914 Capitol Mall is one of the most beautiful state government buildings in California.
On May 24, 1984, the Library & Courts Building was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The building underwent an extensive restoration completed in 2014.
The Library & Courts Building opened in 1928 as part of the “Capitol Extension Group.” It faces a twin structure, Office Building Number 1 — re-named in 1987 to honor former Assembly Speaker and State Treasurer Jesse M. Unruh.
Designed by the San Francisco architectural firm of Weeks & Day, both neo-classical structures are located across the street from the State Capitol. A circular drive with a fountain in the middle separates — and connects — the two office buildings.
Both five-story exteriors are clad in Sierra white granite quarried by the McGilvray-Raymond Granite Company in Madera County and granite architectural terra cotta manufactured by Gladding, McBean and Company of Lincoln, Placer County.
Library & Courts Building, north facade. 2001. Photograph by Cathy KellyAerial photograph of the State Capitol and Capitol Extension Group. The building on the right is Office Building No. 1 or the Jesse Unruh Building, and on the left is the Library & Courts Building. Photograph was taken shortly after the completion of the twin buildings in 1928.Library & Courts Building, Cornerstone Laying Ceremony, March 26, 1924.State Capitol with Library & Courts Building under construction. Looking south, southwest. McCurry photograph.Library & Courts Building, 1926 depicting the east and north facades.Library & Courts Building and circle, circa 1930. This view of the north facade was taken shortly after the completion of the landscaping.The north facade features a granite pediment group created by New York sculptor Edward Field Sanford, Jr. Composed of seventeen figures and entitled ‘California’s Gift to the World’, it was the largest pediment in the country at the time of installation.The sculptor Edward Field Sanford, Jr. inspects the work on his pediment. In this photograph, the artist is inspecting the work of the craftsmen who carried out his design. The central figure, standing a full twelve feet, represents the fully developed California with a sword of justice in one hand and the owl of wisdom in the other.Memorial Entrance Vestibule. The Lobby is dedicated to California veterans who died in World War I. The most dominating feature of the room is the sixteen black Italian marble pillars. The pillars serve no function other than decoration. Photograph by Cathy KellyDetail of one the decorative urns surmounting the marble pillars. Photograph by Cathy KellyDetail of bronze torch light standards in the Memorial Vestibule. Photograph by Cathy KellyFrank Van Sloan murals. The famed San Francisco artist received a contract from the State of California to paint a series of twelve mural panels illustrating the history of warfare from neolithic times to World War I. He completed the murals in April 1929. Photograph by Cathy KellyDetail of Frank Van Sloan murals. Photograph by Cathy KellyGrand staircase. Photograph by Ross SteinerCourtroom. Recognized as one of the most beautiful courtrooms in the country, it is used by the Third District Court of Appeal, and for six days a year, the California Supreme Court. Photograph by Cathy KellyState Librarian’s Office. The office features important California landscape and portrait paintings. The Maynard Dixon painting, shown above the roll top desk, is called ‘Allegory’. Photograph by Cathy KellyThe Anoakia Murals by Maynard Dixon. Located on the second floor corridor, these murals were originally commissioned by Anita Baldwin McClaughry for her mansion in Arcadia, California. The McCaslin family, the owners of the mansion, donated the murals to the Library in 1997. These murals, Dixon believed, dated the start of his true creative life. A bronze statue of Dixon by Gary Smith stands in a niche between the paintings. Photograph by Cathy KellyThe Anoakia Murals by Maynard Dixon. Located on the second floor corridor, these murals were originally commissioned by Anita Baldwin McClaughry for her mansion in Arcadia, California. The McCaslin family, the owners of the mansion, donated the murals to the Library in 1997. These murals, Dixon believed, dated the start of his true creative life. A bronze statue of Dixon by Gary Smith stands in a niche between the paintings. Photograph by Cathy KellyCeiling details. The ceilings of the public floors are painted with figures from mythology including this portrait of Medusa. Photograph by Cathy KellyCeiling details. The ceilings of the public floors are painted with figures from mythology including this portrait of Medusa. Photograph by Cathy KellyGillis Hall, 1929. Named in honor of State Librarian James L. Gillis, this stately room serves as the main reference center for the Library.A Pageant of Tradition. Created by Maynard Dixon in 1928, this immense mural in Gillis Hall measures fourteen feet high by sixty-nine feet in length. For this mural, Dixon selected California’s historical progress and pioneering ambition as his theme. It was Dixon’s largest mural. Photograph by Cathy KellyA Pageant of Tradition. Created by Maynard Dixon in 1928, this immense mural in Gillis Hall measures fourteen feet high by sixty-nine feet in length. For this mural, Dixon selected California’s historical progress and pioneering ambition as his theme. It was Dixon’s largest mural. Photograph by Cathy KellyMaynard Dixon at work on the mural. Dixon worked from a scaffold. For three and a half months, Dixon labored daily in Gillis Hall finally completing the mural in November 1928.Circulation and Catalog Room, 1929. The room is graced by a highly ornamented ceiling, terrazzo floor, and bronze chandelier.Bronze entrance gate to the Circulation and Catalog Room, 1929.Elevated bronze statue by Edward Field Sanford, Jr., flank side of the Circulation and Catalog Room. This female figure is called Inspiration. Photographs by Cathy KellyElevated bronze statue by Edward Field Sanford, Jr., flank side of the Circulation and Catalog Room. This male figure is called Wisdom. Photographs by Cathy Kelly
On May 24, 1984, the Library & Courts Building was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The building underwent an extensive restoration, completed in 2014.
