Location: 423 Frederica St, Owensboro, KY 42301
The Federal Building, U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in Owensboro, Kentucky, is significant as an example of Renaissance Revival architecture and a symbol of the federal presence in Owensboro. The three-story brick building rests on a rusticated limestone base. It evokes the Renaissance Revival style in its symmetry, rusticated base, crowning, denticulated cornice, trabeated apertures, horizontal bands of molding, and balustraded parapet.
The Federal Building, U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is prominently located on Frederica Street, Owensboro’s main thoroughfare, in the Central Business District. The previous federal building was located at the intersection of Third and Allen Streets. It had become overcrowded by the early 1900s and the decision was made to construct a new federal building. The site chosen had formerly been the home of Ben Bransford, a tobacco merchant and former mayor. The design was completed under the auspices of the U.S. Treasury Department with James Knox Taylor as Supervising Architect. Construction began in 1909 and the building was occupied in 1911. At that time, the building housed the U.S. Post Office, U.S. Courts, and various federal offices. As the area grew and postal service expanded, the need arose for more postal space. In 1934 a one-story addition was built to the east (rear) to provide more postal work space. The building was extensively remodeled in the early 1960s. The original postal lobby space was virtually removed and a new lobby constructed. In the early 1970s the Post Office moved to a new location.
The building, on a prominent site in the Central Business District, is an example of a significant civic building in Owensboro. After the U.S. Postal Service moved out, the Courts’ presence was expanded and other federal offices moved in. The Owensboro Federal Building, U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is a continuing symbol of the federal presence in the community.
Facts
- Architect: James Knox Taylor
- Construction Dates: 1909-1911
- GSA Building Number: KY0058ZZ
- National Register of Historic Places Landmark Status: National Register Listed
U.S. General Services Administration