Melvin Price Federal Building and United States Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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United States Post Office and Courthouse
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 750 Missouri Ave., East St. Louis, Illinois |
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| Built | 1908-09 |
| Architectural style | Beaux-Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000478 |
| Added to NRHP | August 8, 2014 |
The Melvin Price Federal Building and United States Courthouse is a special building in East St. Louis, Illinois. It was once the city's main post office, where people sent and received mail. Today, it still works as a courthouse. This is where important legal cases are heard.
The building is named after Charles Melvin Price, who was a U.S. Representative. This means he was a politician who helped make laws for the country. The building was designed by James Knox Taylor in 1907. Construction started in 1908 and finished in 1909.
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A Look at the Melvin Price Federal Building
This historic building is located at 750 Missouri Avenue. It is known for its beautiful design. The building has a part that sticks out above the main entrance. This part is called a pavilion. It has four pairs of tall columns. These columns hold up a triangular shape called a pediment.
The columns frame an arcade with three sections. These sections once held the windows for the courtrooms. The building also has special stone blocks on the corners called quoins. There are also windows on the second floor that are sometimes arched and sometimes triangular. A decorative ledge, called a cornice, runs along the top. It has a low wall, or balustrade, above it.
Two matching sections were added to the building in 1918. A more modern part was built at the back in 1986.
What is a Federal Building?
A federal building is owned by the United States government. These buildings are used for many different government services. For example, they can house post offices, courthouses, or offices for federal agencies. The Melvin Price Federal Building serves two important roles. It was a post office and it is still a courthouse.
Designed with Style: Beaux-Arts Architecture
The Melvin Price Federal Building was built in the Beaux-Arts style. This was a popular architectural style from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Beaux-Arts buildings often look grand and impressive. They use ideas from ancient Greek and Roman architecture.
Key features of Beaux-Arts buildings include:
- Large, impressive sizes
- Symmetry, meaning both sides are mirror images
- Lots of decorative details
- Use of columns, arches, and pediments
- Strong, solid materials like stone
This style was often used for important public buildings. It was meant to show the power and importance of the government.
Honoring a Leader: Charles Melvin Price
The building is named after Charles Melvin Price. He was a U.S. Representative from Illinois. This means he was elected by the people of Illinois to represent them in the United States Congress. Congress is where laws are made for the entire country.
Melvin Price served in Congress for many years. He worked hard for the people of his district. Naming the federal building after him is a way to honor his service. It recognizes his contributions to the community and the nation.
A Place in History: National Register
The Melvin Price Federal Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 8, 2014. The National Register is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. These places can be buildings, sites, or objects.
When a building is on this list, it means it has special historical or architectural value. It helps protect these places for future generations. It also helps people learn about the past. Being on the National Register shows that the Melvin Price Federal Building is a significant part of East St. Louis's history.
