Art Deco was an architectural style that became fashionable for commercial and public buildings in the 1920s. Breaking from the traditionalism of the past, the streamlined design evoked modern technology and notions of progress. Typically, Art Deco structures used roof projections to emphasize vertical lines and used geometric motifs for embellishment. Art Deco was followed by Art Moderne in the 1930s, which tended to emphasize horizontal lines. In many instances, as is the case with the Leon County Jail and the Leon County Health Unit and Annex to the Leon County Court house, architects drew from both styles.
Although additions and alterations to the original structure occurred over time, the building’s Art Deco design is still visible. The flat roof with a very small coping and the horizontal grooves over the vestibule, some windows, and just below the roof, all give the building a horizontal emphasis. Also accentuating the horizontal lines are the rectangular windows that appear to be continuous around some corners. The concrete walls, originally painted white, were common to the Art Deco style and originally contrasted with black carrara glass window panes etched with silver aluminum. These panes also highlight the building’s horizontal and straight-lined appearance. As with most Art Deco buildings, this one is primarily symmetrical. Two identical rectangular wings are situated on an angle from each other and joined by an octagonal tower. Hard angles and rectangular shapes, emphasize the building’s modern and streamlined quality. The large geometric motif on the central tower as well as the triangular motif above the vestibule and windows also point to the building’s Art Deco design.
Although additions and alterations to the original structure occurred over time, the building’s Art Deco design is still visible. The flat roof with a very small coping and the horizontal grooves over the vestibule, some windows, and just below the roof, all give the building a horizontal emphasis. Also accentuating the horizontal lines are the rectangular windows that appear to be continuous around some corners. The concrete walls, originally painted white, were common to the Art Deco style and originally contrasted with black carrara glass window panes etched with silver aluminum. These panes also highlight the building’s horizontal and straight-lined appearance. As with most Art Deco buildings, this one is primarily symmetrical. Two identical rectangular wings are situated on an angle from each other and joined by an octagonal tower. Hard angles and rectangular shapes, emphasize the building’s modern and streamlined quality. The large geometric motif on the central tower as well as the triangular motif above the vestibule and windows also point to the building’s Art Deco design.
