I've reviewed a dozen or so county courthouses in Texas (Johnson/Cleburne, Ellis/Waxahachie,…read moreWise/Decatur, Potter/Amarillo, Wheeler, Liberty, McCulloch/Brady, Sterling, Gaines/Seminole and Navarro/Corsicana) so I only have 240 or so to go. Texans definitely know how to make magnificent courthouses and this is one of them. According to the marker, this is the county's fourth courthouse and was built during the peak of Central Texas cotton wealth. Named for Neil McLennan who was an early settler, the county's seat is Waco. The courthouse was completed in 1902 and is in the Beaux Arts Style by architect James Riely Gordon who designed 13 other Texas courthouses (including Ellis, which I've seen). Themis, the Greek goddess of divine order stands atop the dome, holding a double-edged sword that represents the law. Her left hand holds the usual scales to symbolize the weighing of facts by the courts. I was here on Sunday so I did not have the opportunity to tour the interior which is apparently quite ornate. Interesting fact: Clyde Barrow, of Bonnie and Clyde fame, stood trial here and was convicted. He managed to break out of the jail later. [Review 817 of 2024 - 572 in Texas - 21848 overall]

Gorgeous courthouse and view in the evening. Beautifully lit and immaculately clean grounds…read more Parking available across the street or in a small lot next to the courthouse. Did not enter it as we came in the evening but it was a stunning sight! There's also a dinosaur print you can admire in the square.

I absolutely love county courthouses. The history is usually phenomenal, and this courthouse was…read moreno different. What I really enjoyed were the metal plaques lining the sidewalk. They celebrated people who made an impact in Somervell County history. Of course I would have enjoyed reading all the names, but there were too many to do so. There were also two monuments in memory of local and world history. In addition, be sure to grab some refreshment and lounge in the wonderful gazebo on premise. I could have very easily made a day of it with the courthouse and surrounding square.

Professional and courteous customer service. Very modern and updated with all the fancy technology…read moreto get the job done.

We came into Athens to get my son's passport renewed because everything in Dallas was booked a…read moremonth out with no way to make an appointment. The district clerk in Athens does not accept appointments. We were able to walk in and be done in 15 minutes. The place I had the photo taken cropped it too close. But they took a replacement for only $5!!! It was almost $13 at the Ups store and I think Dallas passport offices were charging $22. The woman in the office was supper friendly and helpful. The inside of the building is neat because of all the black and white marble.

I missed the annual Christmas Parade, since I was working in Frankston, but I did get to see the…read moreChristmas Party afterwards. There were lots of inflatable slides & bouncy-houses. I love how the courthouse yard & street was all decorated with lights & stuff, they did a great job on that. Many local churches & businesses had different booths set up. I helped with the Eastern Hills Church Of Christ booth (smores & an inflatable slide nearby), & cleaning up afterwards. There were also speakers playing various Christmas tunes, but not too loud that you couldn't have a conversation. It was a little hard finding restrooms, though (perhaps in some various buildings & shops in the area?). I parked over by Railway Cafe & Come & Take It, some may have parked closer, near the Annex. It was a great location for a city-wide Christmas party, or any other city-wide get-together.

Not the type of service you would expect from a goverment office. I came in at 4:28pm to file 3…read moreevictions and they close at 4:30. I asked if it was too late, they said you're 2 minutes early. I received the best customer service you would ever imagine at a court house. They were so friendly, polite and very professional. This was my first time to file in this court house, they took the time to explain everything in detail. They were a pleasure!

Compared to other states/counties, these guys know how to do this. Some states (looking at you…read moreMissouri and NC) it's a mess. This was fairly painless getting my Texas license plates. Clerks were pleasant and helpful. Pro tip: check your address on the paperwork to make sure they got your address right. My bad for not checking while I was standing there. But the next day no problem getting it fixed.

On a BUSY day here you'll take 30 minutes max. Very organized you're usually in and out before you…read morerealize it

Was on my way to Dallas to Houston for a New Years party and got stopped for a "no front license…read moreplate" and the officer noticed that my wife's state inspection had expired. *sigh*. We spent part of the day, New Years Eve, getting new tires and getting the current on our inspection. We returned here on Jan 2 to get our ticket dismissed. If your ticket is more than 60 days expired, it can't be dismissed but if you are within that time period and you get your car inspected within 20 days of the ticket, you can get it dismissed. We arrive at the building, looking for the Justice of the Peace Room 204. I expected 204 to be on the second floor, but they have one of the rooms on the first floor relabeled as 207, so who knows. We walk around and finally ask a lady in one of the rooms where we're to go, she says, "I have no idea. Go down to probation and see if they can tell you." Luckily probation says to go upstairs and it's there. We get up there and there's no one up there but there is a window for JP Precinct 4 and the clerk comes to help us. I explain the situation and she asks for the $20 payment and she says, "Okay, would you like me to send you a letter for the dismissal?" "Yes please." And that was it. Then I thought to myself, what if it doesn't get dismissed and/or I don't get the dismissal letter? So I go back and ask them if I can have some kind of receipt to at least show that I tried to take care of the citation. She stamps my inspection report and writes that she received the money and information. *Then* we leave. Today, Jan 4, I get a letter in the mail that says the ticket has been dismissed.

It's a nice area and has free parking! I had to go for jury duty which was interesting. All the…read moreworkers were nice. The building is clean. My only issue is the signage, they have paper on some doors of where you're going & the vending machine was on the basement floor (listed on the elevator as "garage"). It should be in a more spacious area. We were all crowded in the space to get snacks.

Wow! What an honor and privilege to be able to walk in here. This ancient courthouse made me feel…read moreso special because of the architecture. The landscaping is well taken care of but inside does not smell so fresh. The steps are steep and intimidating. I don't like heights. The Security Officers were very nice and helpful. The Gentleman explained to be where I needed to go. He was also friendly when I asked him questions. There's a small Museum to the left. It was pretty busy. I saw a kid doing a book report for class, along with a few other visitors. I ran into a Police Officer and he told me where to go too. The ladies in the office went the extra mile to help. Parking was near by. You just scan and pay. I saw two Brides getting their Bridal Portraits. It was such a nice moment. The fourth floor has a colorful Rotunda that many people enjoy seeing. This is definitely a unique Courthouse with lots of pictures inside. I would definitely recommend this courthouse.

I've had to come down a few times to help a friend with some important business, and each visit has…read morebeen smooth. The guards at the entrance are always friendly and quick to get us through. Staff on the 3rd floor are also very helpful and informative. Parking is easy to find on Belknap Street--just a few blocks away. Bring coins for the meters!