United States Post Office and Courthouse, Augusta, GA
**United States Post Office and Courthouse** - National Register of Historic Places Ref # 99001648, date listed 1/21/2000
500 E. Ford St.
Augusta, GA (Richmond County)
The United States Courthouse in Augusta, Georgia was completed in 1916. It was designed and built under the auspices of the U.S. Treasury Department, Oscar Wenderoth, Supervising Architect. The building was extended to the east (rear) in 1936 to enlarge the postal work area. In 1960, the building was modernized with a new passenger elevator, central air and aluminum front doors. In 1971, a fire escape and manual fire alarm system were installed; and acoustical ceilings and contemporary lighting were installed in the second and third floor corridors. Between 1992 and 1996, the building was vacated for a rehabilitation project which included restoration of the original courtroom ceiling, as well as the second and third floor corridors; new security screen in the lobby; new roof; asbestos removal; and the addition of new heating and air conditioning system and electrical wiring.
The United States Courthouse in Augusta, Georgia is a significant building because it is an excellent representation of the Italian Renaissance Revival style, a popular style of the early 1900s; and because it is a continuing symbol of the Federal presence in Augusta.
The Italian Renaissance Revival style became popular in the late 19th Century due to a revival of interest in classical architecture which came about as a result of the 1893 Columbian Exposition. It was a style that catered to the growing taste for richness in public buildings. Indeed, in the early 1900s, the Federal government promoted the concept that government buildings should be monumental and beautiful. Characteristics of this style which are evident in the U.S. Courthouse include: symmetrical elevations with bold cornices; arched windows; different window designs at each floor; use of brackets, either as functional or decorative elements; use of arches; a veranda extending along an entire facade; use of sculptural ornamentation. (1)
References (1) NRHP Nomination Form s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg...
United States Post Office and Courthouse, Augusta, GA
**United States Post Office and Courthouse** - National Register of Historic Places Ref # 99001648, date listed 1/21/2000
500 E. Ford St.
Augusta, GA (Richmond County)
The United States Courthouse in Augusta, Georgia was completed in 1916. It was designed and built under the auspices of the U.S. Treasury Department, Oscar Wenderoth, Supervising Architect. The building was extended to the east (rear) in 1936 to enlarge the postal work area. In 1960, the building was modernized with a new passenger elevator, central air and aluminum front doors. In 1971, a fire escape and manual fire alarm system were installed; and acoustical ceilings and contemporary lighting were installed in the second and third floor corridors. Between 1992 and 1996, the building was vacated for a rehabilitation project which included restoration of the original courtroom ceiling, as well as the second and third floor corridors; new security screen in the lobby; new roof; asbestos removal; and the addition of new heating and air conditioning system and electrical wiring.
The United States Courthouse in Augusta, Georgia is a significant building because it is an excellent representation of the Italian Renaissance Revival style, a popular style of the early 1900s; and because it is a continuing symbol of the Federal presence in Augusta.
The Italian Renaissance Revival style became popular in the late 19th Century due to a revival of interest in classical architecture which came about as a result of the 1893 Columbian Exposition. It was a style that catered to the growing taste for richness in public buildings. Indeed, in the early 1900s, the Federal government promoted the concept that government buildings should be monumental and beautiful. Characteristics of this style which are evident in the U.S. Courthouse include: symmetrical elevations with bold cornices; arched windows; different window designs at each floor; use of brackets, either as functional or decorative elements; use of arches; a veranda extending along an entire facade; use of sculptural ornamentation. (1)
References (1) NRHP Nomination Form s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg...