Location: 801 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814
The Federal Building is an important local representative of the Beaux Arts style and a major work of a regionally prominent architect, Starks & Flanders. Built between 1932 and 1933 as the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse Building, it is an important civic landmark representative of the city of Sacramento’s newly realized position of economic and political significance in northern California.
First settled by John Sutter in 1839, Sacramento experienced several periods of major growth beginning with the Gold Rush in 1848. By the beginning of the twentieth century, the development of enormous agricultural opportunity, the establishment of a major railroad network, and State Capitol designation ensured Sacramento’s future growth and expansion. With its growth came the erection of a number of important public and commercial buildings during the first two decades of the twentieth century. These prominent architectural works were carefully designed to serve their basic functions as well as to visually enhance the city and generate pride in its increasing sophistication and urbanization. The onset of the 1920s brought with it the City Beautiful movement, which soon began to exert its influence on Sacramento’s architectural and urban environment.
In 1933 the new U.S. Post Office and Courthouse Building was inserted into the city’s urban center, replacing the 1894 Post Office a few blocks away. The new building was the 11th location for postal service in the history of the city. Its capacity and efficiency made it the mail handling center of the region, while its housing of numerous federal agencies and activities made it the major focus of most federal functions in this part of the state.
Facts
- Architects: Starks & Flanders
- Construction Dates: 1932-1933
- GSA Building Number: CA0083ZZ
- Landmark Status: Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
U.S. General Services Administration
