Two courthouses in Pennsylvania have been recognized on a national scale, appearing on a list of America’s most beautiful yet overlooked civic buildings. The Huntingdon County Courthouse in Huntingdon and the Potter County Courthouse in Coudersport were highlighted in a survey conducted by LovevsDesign.com, which sought to identify public structures that, while not widely celebrated, possess remarkable architectural beauty.
The survey, which involved 3,014 respondents, asked participants to name public buildings in their states that stand out for their design, character, and sense of place. The findings revealed a preference for historic courthouses, libraries, and federal buildings that reflect a more personal scale of architecture. The top-ranked building in the survey was the Hot Springs National Park Administration Building in Arkansas, followed by the Wailuku Public Library in Hawaii and the Museum of Art Fort Collins in Colorado.
Despite not making the top tier, Pennsylvania’s courthouses made a significant impression. The Huntingdon County Courthouse secured the 35th position, with survey respondents praising its combination of brick and stone, classic portico, and tall windows that lend it a dignified yet welcoming presence in the borough’s historic downtown. Voters described the building as “rooted without being imposing,” noting the warm brick tones that soften its formal lines.
In contrast, the Potter County Courthouse ranked 60th, celebrated for its brick exterior and clock tower that rises gently above Coudersport. Voters remarked on its balanced proportions and modest detailing, which contribute to a calm, small-town elegance that harmonizes with the surrounding hills.
Eric Mortensen, co-founder of LovevsDesign.com, emphasized the role of public buildings in serving communities while also enhancing the local environment. “Public buildings are meant to serve their communities, but many of them also quietly elevate the places we live,” Mortensen stated. “What our survey shows is that Americans still value beauty in everyday spaces.”
The results of the survey indicate a strong appreciation for architecture that prioritizes craftsmanship, proportion, and local identity over grandiosity. While iconic landmarks often dominate tourism guides, the findings suggest that residents share a deep connection to the courthouses, libraries, and municipal buildings that anchor daily life in their towns.
For Huntingdon and Coudersport, this recognition offers a rare opportunity to shine a spotlight on buildings that locals pass by regularly. It serves as a reminder that even in small Pennsylvania boroughs, civic architecture can stand proud among the nation’s finest.