This report was based on the Mackenzie Hall at 3277 Sandwich Street, Windsor. Alexander Mackenzie, later Prime Minister of Canada, built the Hall in 1855. This is one of Windsor’s oldest places. It was originally a jail and courthouse, but is now used for a variety of cultural activities. It has been used in many different ways over the years, earning it the title of heritage building.
The Hall’s exterior is composed of sandstones and rough limestone. It features a symmetrical front and Palladian-style entrance. The building has long semicircular windows with plain glass, which suggests that it was designed in the Renaissance Revival architectural style. It is adorned with heavy wooden cornices, which adds to the overall style. Spring Hurlbut’s sculpture has given the Vinculum column support a more artistic appearance. The furniture was well organized, consisting of wooden single seats for the audience as well as a table with a chair and stools for the judges. On one wall of the room, there were two glass cabinets that contained memorabilia. The other walls featured portraits of former judges and Queen Elizabeth. The court was equipped with a small library that contained maps and books. The courtroom looked attractive with the ceiling carved in a way that lights were suspended. The wall leading to the washrooms is made of brick, and the Gibbet hung between two doors gives it a unique look.
The sculpture used to decorate the chandelier on the second-floor stairway was a fabric painted by Robin Morey called Athena. The first-floor of the Hall was old-fashioned, but the second-floor had modern elements. The Hall has two auditoriums. It also includes washrooms.
Since its founding, the Mackenzie Hall was a part many historical events. It was initially used as the County Court, but then became the county HQ. Friends of the Court, a group formed to protect the Hall’s importance, was created. The City of Windsor later bought it, and a major restoration was undertaken. The building is now used as a center of culture for the city. The Ontario Heritage Act has recognized its significance and given it a heritage designation.