In 1867 a fireproof building was erected adjacent to the main building at a cost of $6,000.00. This building was then occupied by the Register of Deeds, County Clerk, Clerk of the Court and County Treasurer.

On November 24, 1899 the County Board adopted a resolution which stated that the building, then used as the courthouse was no longer suitable for that purpose and was an unsafe place to hold court. It was then determined that a new courthouse was to be constructed during the year 1900 at a cost not to exceed $30,000.00. The following day a resolution was adopted, which called for issuance of bonds in the amount of $30,000.00, bearing interest of 4% per anum, and which were to be retired over a period of fifteen years.

On February 21, 1901 bids were presented to the County Board. Low were Wurthmann and Vollmer, $50,288.00 and John Schramka $50,117.00. A resolution was then adopted which rescinded the resolution calling for the $30,000.00 bond issue and another one was adopted providing for $45,000.00 in bonds, still at 4% interest but to be retired over a nine year period. It was decided that all bids were too high, so plans and specifications were revised and new bids were called for. A few days later, Wurthmann and Vollmer submitted a low bid of $48,897.00 and the contract was awarded to them. Change orders were issued which added $1,914.00 to the contract amount. Later that year, contracts were awarded for furniture, with the total of these contracts amounting to $4,826.00.

On March 1, 1902 a resolution was adopted, which noted that the building had not been completed by this date, as had been called for in the contract. Contractors were given until March 28 of that year to complete the work, but with the provision that the County be allowed to occupy the court room and all other rooms on the second floor.

On March 19 the building was accepted. During the following several months, landscaping and sidewalks were completed at a total cost of $949.00 and additional furniture and equipment costing $353.00 was purchased. Electric fixtures were also installed at a cost of $1,075.00. Before the first year was over, the eagle on the courthouse tower was damaged (probably having been hit by lightning) and had to be replaced at a cost of $252.00.

The total cost of this building, including furniture, equipment and related items was $58,014.00. The building contained 18,360 square feet of usable space on three floors, and cost $2.77 per square foot for construction.