Monday, February 11, 2008

The New(er) Orange County Courthouse

Today's "before and after" photos show the current Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana as it appeared during its construction in 1967, and as it appears today. (It was completed in 1968.)
.
This building was one of famed architect Richard Neutra's last big projects. Although it's hard to fully appreciate his work after decades of neglect and abuse, the building still has much to admire.
.
Personally, I'm also interested to know more about Donald Ramberg (1919-?) and Robert Lowrey (1926-1989), whose local architecture firm worked with Neutra on the Courthouse. According to Modern architecture guru Chris Nichols, "As a firm, [Ramberg & Lowrey] created the O.C. Communications Center (with Neutra), the Santa Ana Police Dept, and the North Broadway Law Building in Santa Ana. Ramberg previously worked with AC Martin & Assoc. (Still located in downtown L.A.) Ramberg also did the Santa Ana Elks Lodge."

No comments: