United States Post Office and Court House, Federal courthouse in downtown Lexington, United States
The United States Post Office and Court House is a four-story limestone structure with a granite base that combines postal and judicial functions in a single building. Inside, marble staircases and decorated entry lobbies feature Classical Revival design elements throughout the spaces.
The building was constructed in 1934 during the Great Depression as part of a federal program established by the Public Buildings Act of 1926. It gained listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
The building reflects 1930s federal design through its clean lines and simplified forms, showing how government architecture aimed to appear straightforward and approachable. Visitors notice this directness in the marble lobbies and open interior spaces that make the building feel less formal than one might expect.
The building sits on Barr Street and can be viewed from outside, though some interior areas remain closed due to ongoing court proceedings. Check ahead about which spaces are open on your visit day, as this may vary depending on judicial activity.
The design was supervised by Louis Simon, a prominent architect of the Federal Art Deco style, working alongside local architects H.A. Churchill and John P. Gillig. This collaboration between a nationally known figure and local talent created a remarkably unified structure.
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