Baskerville House

SP686NW BROAD STREET 997/32/10331 Baskerville House 02-MAY-01

GV II

Council offices. 1938, completed 1940s; to 19935 design by T. Cecil Howitt. Portland stone ashlar, with rusticated basement. PLAN: Rectangular on plan with projecting end bays on longer NE and SW sides and entrance at centre of SE side through apse-like portico. Monumental Classical style. EXTERIOR: 4 storeys. 5:1:5 bay SE front, battered rusticated basement with string above and entablature with dentilled cornice that breaks forwards around central apse-like portico with giant fluted Ionic columns distyle in antis, coffered semi-dome forming round arch with stepped parapet above with frieze of swags, and with steps up to bronze entrance with broad fluted pilasters; windows in moulded architraves, first floor with cornices and segmental pediments on consoles. NE and SW sides 1:13:1 bays, the end bays advanced and with giant fluted Ionic columns in antis and attic pavilions above. Bronze grilles to some of basement windows and balconies to some first floor windows. INTERIOR: Richly decorated in travertine marble, vaulted hall with galleried landings, bronze lift doors with relief panels depicting Birmingham's industries, moulded plaster ceilings, decorative ventilation grilles, panelling and original furnishings. NOTE: Baskerville House, together with Birmingham Municipal Bank [qv] was the only part of the civic centre to be built . It was designed in 1935; work started in 1938 and was completed in the 1940s. SOURCE: Buildings of England, p117.

Listing NGR: SP0637286904