Charles R. Jonas Federal Building

The Charles R. Jonas Federal Building is a federal courthouse in Charlotte with a full-length colonnade of Corinthian columns and a marble lobby extending across three stories. The lobby features elaborate ornamental plaster ceilings and retains design elements from its original use as a post office sales area.

The structure was built in 1915 on the site of a former U.S. Mint facility that had operated there since 1836. A major expansion in 1934 tripled the original building in size.

The facade displays classical symmetrical proportions and fine limestone details that mark it as a place of public authority. The ceremonial courtroom preserves traditional wood paneling that underscores the significance of judicial proceedings.

The building sits on West Trade Street and serves as the main courthouse for the Western District of North Carolina. The prominent colonnade and entry stairs provide clear orientation when approaching the structure.

The marble floor of the lobby dates from the postal era and displays craftsmanship details rarely found in modern buildings. These ornamental features offer a rare glimpse into postal-service design from the 1930s.