Jose V. Toledo Federal Building and United States Courthouse, government building in San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Jose V. Toledo Federal Building and United States Courthouse is a courthouse and post office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, featuring a U-shaped design and located by the harbor. The structure consists of two connected sections: the original 1914 part displays Spanish Colonial Revival style with arches and red clay tiles, while the 1940 addition shows Art Moderne with streamlined forms and bronze lanterns.
The site held long-standing importance, with a Spanish fort from the 1600s and later a customs house in the 1800s. The first major federal building was constructed between 1911 and 1914 after the United States took control of Puerto Rico in 1898, followed by an Art Moderne addition in the 1940s.
The building reflects the blend of Spanish and American influences visible in San Juan's architecture. Local craftsmanship details like arches, roof tiles, and wrought-iron work show how tradition continues in a modern federal structure.
The building is located in Old San Juan near the harbor and is easily reached amid local cobblestones and other historic buildings. Interior spaces feature marble staircases, brick corridors, and courtrooms, but visitors should know this is an active functioning courthouse.
During restoration in the 1990s, about 16,000 archaeological artifacts were discovered on the grounds, uncovering the site's layered history. These findings helped specialists understand the past with greater accuracy and carry out restoration work with historical precision.
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