Federal Building and Post Office

The Federal Building is a four-story courthouse and post office at the corner of Johnson Street and Cadman Plaza East, clad in gray and red granite from Maine. Inside, the structure houses the United States Bankruptcy Court, federal offices, and postal services that serve visitors and workers throughout the day.

Construction of this building took place between 1885 and 1891 following architect Mifflin E. Bell's design in the Romanesque Revival style. A major northern expansion was completed in 1933 to accommodate growing federal operations.

The name reflects its role as a seat of federal authority and postal services that have anchored this location for well over a century. The granite facade and position at a major intersection make it a recognized landmark in the neighborhood's daily geography.

The building sits centrally in Downtown Brooklyn with good access via public transportation. Keep in mind this is an active courthouse and federal office, so access to certain areas may be restricted depending on court activity or security requirements.

In 1898 the building featured a pneumatic tube system that allowed mail to travel rapidly between Brooklyn and New York City's main post office. This early technology was an innovation in how the city moved mail across its neighborhoods.

Location: Brooklyn

Inception: 1890s

Architects: Mifflin E. Bell

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

Address: 271 Cadman Plaza East

GPS coordinates: 40.69564,-73.98953

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:01