With extensive bas-relief stone spandrels and wrought-iron ornament, the Stark County Courthouse exemplifies Fargo architect Kurke’s mature Art Deco design. The building was designed at about the same time Kurke collaborated with Holabird and Root and Joseph Bell DeRemer on the North Dakota State Capitol (BL1.1). The courthouse is built of limestone and light-colored local brick, with a limestone base on a raised podium. The stylized Art Deco geometry is emphasized in the six fluted limestone pilasters that mark the entrance, and which wrap up and over the parapet in a streamlined fashion. The bas-relief spandrel panels portray local trades at labor, and large custom-fabricated wrought-metal lanterns ornament the exterior entrance stair. Courtrooms are in the center of the building and are flanked by administrative offices. Interior surface finishes are embellished lavishly in stone and bright metalwork.