April 12, 2014, Saturday, Tony and I was walking around Bowling Green when we happened upon this…read moreawesome building. It is large and gorgeous. I have this thing about large old buildings with any sort of historical value. They are amazing to me!!! The technology back then to build them and they last over time.
President JFK actually stood in front of the City Hall building in 1960 and gave a speech. There are some historical photos on record of him giving that message to the people of Bowling Green KY
History of the building:
Under the guidance of Mayor George T. Wilson (1903-1909), the City began to build City Hall at 10th & College in 1907. Bids went out that July. Several firms submitted bids, but C. H. Smith was selected to complete the job. The original bid came in at $29,000 for the three story building but was reduced to $25,239 after modifications such as not adding a large balcony in the Commission Chambers. The original plans also showed three large interior windows that would have opened views of the Commission Chambers to the hallway.
City Hall was designed by Louisville architect Brinton B. Davis (1862-1952). Davis was dubbed "The Hill Builder", as he designed WKU's master plan in 1909, Van Meter Hall, and most of the structures at the top of the hill. His association with WKU continued until 1939
Construction on City Hall was completed in 1908. City Hall has been the seat of city government ever since, with the exception of when the building was vacated during the extensive renovation of 1986-87
Throughout the years, City Hall has seen many changes. The original layout of the City Hall building included the Mayor's and City Clerk's offices, which are still in the building today, plus several other offices. Both men's and women's jail cells were located in City Hall as well as the City Physician, Library, Chief of Police, Police Court, City Engineer, the City Attorney, and Prosecuting Attorney. The old plans show jail cells where the City Manager's Office and lower level Human Resources reception desk are located, with a spiral staircase connecting the two. The Health Department was still located in the building into the 1950's.
At one point in the mid-1980's, prior to purchase and renovation of the City Hall Annex, City Hall held its current functions plus what are now the Finance, Information Technology, and Neighborhood & Community Services departments
There have been several renovations to the building. In 1962 construction opened up additional offices where the jail cells stood. A 1978 renovation included a sound system, more seating in the Commission Chambers, and modifications to the lower level. City Hall was completely renovated in 1986-87, adding an elevator, new restrooms with handicapped access, and restoring some of the unique original design features that had been lost through modernization. During the 1986-87 renovation, Board of Commissioners meetings were held in the old High Street Community Center community room and city offices were located in the Paxton House on 10th Street. The Police Department shifted some of its operations to the Public Safety Training Center on New Porter Pike (now part of the Vindell Webster Fire Station). Later, Police management staff moved into the Paxton House once the City Hall renovation was completed.
A major highlight in the building's life was when John F. Kennedy spoke on its steps on October 8, 1960, when he was campaigning for President.
On September 16, 2008, City officials buried a time capsule directly in front of the City Hall sign. The marker indicates that the capsule is to be opened during City Hall's bicentennial, which will be in 2108. The capsule contains numerous artifacts from 2008, including current and historic documents, publications, photos and magazines about Bowling Green, City budget, sample agenda/minutes from a Board of Commissioners meeting, police officer and firefighter uniforms and patches, directory of city employees, matchbox Corvette, golf balls from the three city golf courses, disc golf frisbee, mini-skate board, city flag, and 2007 city map.