The courthouse was built as one storey in 1870 on land donated by local surveyor John James, and the limestone blocks came from local quarries.[4] Philip Zoeller and S. F. Stendeback were the designers. In 1886, a second storey was added by Charles Buckel. Alfred Giles was contracted to add the 1909 front facade.[5] The courthouse was in service until 1998, when Kendall County built a new courthouse across the street.[6]
The 1887 limestone jail was designed and built by Pauly Jail Building and Manufacturing Company.[7]
