Ventura City Hall

Built by Los Angeles architect Albert C. Martin, in 1912 in the "beaux-arts" style, City Hall features neo-classic columns, arched windows, and terra cotta facade decorated 24 faces of Fransiscan padres, the order that founded the city in 1782.The foyer features an Italian marble stairway that boldly leads to what was once the Superior Courtrooom. (Which why some signs still point to the "Courthouse" aka City Hall).  Now the City Council Chamber, it is graced with three stained glass domes, a gift from the architect. The city purchased the property and opened it as City Hall in 1972.The statue of Padre Junipero Serra that graces the boulevard in front of City Hall is a bronze of a wooden sculpture that is quite striking.