James A. Redden Federal Courthouse

The 1940 addition extended the building 38.0 feet to the north. This required that the parking and loading functions be relocated to the west portion of the site. The design duplicated the original materials and most of the detailing. The new side elevations are recessed eighteen inches so that the massing of the original building is distinct. The window openings are dimensioned similar to the originals and are likewise equally spaced. The sash, however, are double hung types at all three levels. Transoms were retained at the first and second levels. The new parapet was designed to be solid stone, unlike the original which had balustraded portions. A new loading platform was constructed on the north end of the west elevation. The two pairs of loading doors were recessed and were protected from rain by a marquee. The dock also had an employee entrance. The north elevation was redesigned along the lines of the side elevations with five equally spaced window openings that utilized metal sash. The use of two outer flanking openings was retained from the original composition. At the center of the first level, three large rectangular windows provided the postal workroom with day lighting. The interior boiler chimney was relocated to the north elevation. A new fire escape, basement stairway, and area-way for the new swing room were also constructed on the north elevation. The original east, west, and south elevations were left intact with exception of the entry approach. The original ceremonial steps were replaced by dual side stairs leading to a common entry landing. The new granite stair was enclosed with wrought iron railings. The roof mounted flagpole was also relocated to the ground at this time. The addition retained much of the original north elevation by creating a new light-well on the center third, and by incorporating the remaining wall within the new construction. (Portions of the original cornice are visible from the attic.) A new concrete block (with cement plaster exterior finish) rooftop penthouse over the main stair replaced the 1916 structure at this time, and the low sloped, built-up roof construction was continued onto the addition.

The 1940 addition extended the building 38.0 feet to the north. This required that the parking and loading functions be relocated to the west portion of the site. The design duplicated the original materials and most of the detailing. The new side elevations are recessed eighteen inches so that the massing of the original building is distinct. The window openings are dimensioned similar to the originals and are likewise equally spaced. The sash, however, are double hung types at all three levels. Transoms were retained at the first and second levels. The new parapet was designed to be solid stone, unlike the original which had balustraded portions. A new loading platform was constructed on the north end of the west elevation. The two pairs of loading doors were recessed and were protected from rain by a marquee. The dock also had an employee entrance. The north elevation was redesigned along the lines of the side elevations with five equally spaced window openings that utilized metal sash. The use of two outer flanking openings was retained from the original composition. At the center of the first level, three large rectangular windows provided the postal workroom with day lighting. The interior boiler chimney was relocated to the north elevation. A new fire escape, basement stairway, and area-way for the new swing room were also constructed on the north elevation. The original east, west, and south elevations were left intact with exception of the entry approach. The original ceremonial steps were replaced by dual side stairs leading to a common entry landing. The new granite stair was enclosed with wrought iron railings. The roof mounted flagpole was also relocated to the ground at this time. The addition retained much of the original north elevation by creating a new light-well on the center third, and by incorporating the remaining wall within the new construction. (Portions of the original cornice are visible from the attic.) A new concrete block (with cement plaster exterior finish) rooftop penthouse over the main stair replaced the 1916 structure at this time, and the low sloped, built-up roof construction was continued onto the addition.

There have not been extensive changes to the exterior of the building since the 1940 addition. Notable alterations include the replacement of the two outer entry doors with double hung windows (and later reversal); revisions to the wall at the loading dock and a new ramp; removal of the fire escape; site paving and planting changes; and the removal of the original parapet balustrade, which was replaced with solid stone panels similar to the 1940 addition. The open stone balustrade was later restored. A west side window of the lobby has been replaced with a fully lited door that is reached by an accessible lift concealed in what was formerly a light-well to a basement window.

There have not been extensive changes to the exterior of the building since the 1940 addition. Notable alterations include the replacement of the two outer entry doors with double hung windows (and later reversal); revisions to the wall at the loading dock and a new ramp; removal of the fire escape; site paving and planting changes; and the removal of the original parapet balustrade, which was replaced with solid stone panels similar to the 1940 addition. The open stone balustrade was later restored. A west side window of the lobby has been replaced with a fully lifted door that is reached by an accessible lift concealed in what was formerly a light-well to a basement window.

An essential element to the building's facade and integrity is its (almost complete) set of original functioning wood windows (which were recently abated). Note that windows on the north side of the building have steel frames for the wood sash units.

An essential element to the building's facade and integrity is its (almost complete) set of original functioning wood windows (which were recently abated). Note that windows on the north side of the building have steel frames for the wood sash units.