Interior of the “Starry dome” in the Fayette County Courthouse, which was scheduled for an extensive remodeling job in 1960 and 1961. Construction of Fayette County’s fifth courthouse began in July 1898 and was finished on Feb. 1, 1900. The courthouse was a Richardson Romanesque style, a three-story stone masonry building, with a dome, a clock and a cupola (with a weather vane). In 1960 and 1961, the interior was extensively renovated to provide more courtrooms and offices. These renovations included removing the interior “Y” stairs and closing off the dome. The last trial was held in the courthouse in 2002, and in 2003, the Lexington History Center opened. In 2012, the courthouse was closed to the public after lead paint and asbestos was found in the upper floors. Renovation of former the courthouse could cost $38 million, a March 2015 report said. Published in the Lexington Herald-Leader on Aug. 28, 1960. Herald-Leader Archive Photo