Federal Building, United States Post Office and Courthouse (Hilo, Hawaii) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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U.S. Post Office and Office Building
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Hilo Federal Building
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 Location in Hawaii
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| Location | Hilo, Hawaii |
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| Area | 1-acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1915 |
| Architect | Henry D. Whitfield Louis A. Simon |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000708 |
| Added to NRHP | October 1, 1974 |
The Federal Building, U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in Hilo, Hawaii is a historic building. It used to be a courthouse for the United States government. This important building was finished in 1917. Later, in the 1930s, it was made bigger. In 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a special place worth protecting.
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Why Was the Hilo Federal Building Built?
Before Hawaii became part of the United States in 1898, Hilo was a busy town. It was a center for learning and business on the island of Hawaii. Farmers sent their goods by train and ship to other places. Mail services started in Hilo in 1858.
When Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900, government officials wanted to improve services. They needed more space for the post office and courts in Hilo. It was the second-largest city in the territory. By 1913, local leaders helped get $200,000 to build a new federal building.
Who Designed the Hilo Federal Building?
A New York architect named Henry Whitfield designed the building in 1915. He was related to Andrew Carnegie, a famous businessman. Whitfield had also designed the Honolulu Carnegie Library.
He designed the Hilo building in the Mediterranean Renaissance Revival style. This style mixes classic old-world looks with features that work well in a warm, tropical place. The building was also one of the first in Hawaii to use reinforced concrete. This strong building material was common on the mainland.
When Was the Building Completed and Used?
Construction of the Hilo Federal Building finished in 1917. When it first opened, it was a courthouse, a post office, and a customs house. Many different government offices used the building. These included the Immigration Bureau, the Agricultural Extension Service, and the Weather Bureau.
By the 1930s, more space was needed. So, two new sections were added to the building between 1936 and 1938. Louis A. Simon, an architect for the U.S. Treasury, designed these new parts. He made sure they matched the original building's style.
The building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places listings on the island of Hawaii on October 1, 1974. In 1978, most of the post office moved to a new spot. The next year, the courts also moved out. Their old space was then turned into offices.
The building is located at 154 Waianuenue Avenue in downtown Hilo. It sits near Kalakaua Park.
What Does the Hilo Federal Building Look Like?
Henry Whitfield's design for the building is special. It combines classic shapes with features that are perfect for Hawaii's warm weather. It's also important because it was one of the first buildings in the area made with strong, lasting materials like reinforced concrete.
The building is covered with painted stucco. The original building was shaped like a rectangle. The newer sections added later make it look like a "U" shape from above. The front of the building has a central open area called a courtyard.
The building has three main levels and a smaller top level called a penthouse. Open-air walkways, called loggias, face the courtyard. These walkways are on three different levels. They offer nice views and let cool air move through the building. They also act as hallways for people to get around.
One of the most beautiful parts of the building is a two-story row of columns. These large Tuscan columns support the walkways on the first and second levels. Simple, square supports hold up the walkway on the third level. Some parts of the walkways have decorative wrought iron railings.
Inside the courtyard, you can see colorful mosaic tiles and decorative urns. These details show off the Mediterranean Renaissance Revival style. There are also wrought-iron light fixtures. Above the post office entrance, a wrought-iron grille with a golden eagle sits proudly.
The outside of the building has horizontal lines that divide it into sections. This is a common feature in Renaissance Revival buildings. Limestone frames highlight windows and entrances on the newer sections. Another row of columns, now enclosed with windows, is at the back.
The penthouse has a band of windows that let light into the third floor. Five skylights, including one on the penthouse roof, also help light up the inside. The roof is covered with green glazed tiles.
Most of the rooms inside open onto the open walkways. This helps air move through the building. The original post office area on the first floor has white marble floors with gray lines. The walls and ceilings are painted plaster.
Over time, new things were added to the building. Elevators were installed, including the island's first passenger elevator in 1950. When the courts moved out in 1978, their courtroom was changed into office space. The building has a total floor area of about 50,346 square feet.
The area around the building is also very pretty. It has many native plants and walls made of local lava stone. In 1922, the American Legion planted 17 royal palm trees along Kekaulike Street. They did this to remember Hawaiian citizens who died in World War I.
Important Dates for the Hilo Federal Building
- 1898: The United States makes Hawaii part of its territory.
- 1915-1917: The Federal Building, U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is built.
- 1936-1938: Three-story sections are added to the building.
- 1974: The building is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1978: The main post office moves out of the building.
- 1979: The Third Circuit Court moves out of the building.
Images for kids
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Historical picture from the General Services Administration
