Ronald N. Davies Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
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U.S. Post Office and Federal Building, July 2006
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 Location in North Dakota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 102 N. 4th St., Grand Forks, North Dakota |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1905 |
| Architect | Taylor, James Knox |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001354 |
| Added to NRHP | June 3, 1976 |
The Ronald N. Davies Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse is a very old and important building in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It used to be a post office and a federal office building. Today, it serves as a courthouse for the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota. This building is also known as the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse. It is so special that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's protected for its history.
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History of the Building
This building was one of the first big, important public buildings in Grand Forks. It was finished in 1906. At that time, Grand Forks was growing fast as a center for farming in the Red River Valley. The old post office was a small log cabin from the 1870s. People needed a much bigger and more impressive building for the post office and a federal courthouse. So, this new federal building was built in the busy downtown area.
Who Designed This Historic Building?
James Knox Taylor, who was the main architect for the U.S. Treasury Department, designed this building. He used a style called Beaux-Arts Classical. This design was so popular that other buildings nearby, like the City Hall and Central High School, were built in a similar style.
Building Grows Over Time
In 1936, the building needed more space. So, a three-story addition was built at the back. Louis A. Simon from the Supervising Architect's Office designed this part. He made sure the new section matched the old one, using similar materials and details. This addition also brought modern features like elevators and a special light well to brighten the first floor.
In 1964, the U.S. Postal Service moved to a new, larger building. After they left, the first floor of this building was changed into offices. A new staircase was also added to the north side.
Named After a Special Judge
In 2001, the building was renamed after a federal judge named Ronald N. Davies. This happened because Senator Byron Dorgan suggested it, and President Bill Clinton signed it into law. Judge Davies worked in Grand Forks courts from 1932 to 1940. Later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower made him a U.S. District Court Judge for North Dakota.
Judge Davies made some very important decisions. In 1957, while working in Little Rock, Arkansas, he made a big decision to help end segregation in schools there. Segregation was when schools were separated by race, which was unfair.
This building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Building's Design and Style
The Ronald N. Davies Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse shows how James Knox Taylor used a classic style to make a grand statement. It's a three-story building made of yellow brick and limestone. It's one of the best examples of Beaux-Arts Classicism in Grand Forks. Architects in the early 1900s used this style to show the strength and ideals of the government. You can see this style in the building's balanced look, its strong center, and its classic decorations.
Outside Details
The front of the building has the most detailed decorations, especially in the middle section. The building has three main horizontal parts. The bottom part is a strong base made of rough limestone and brick. Above that, the walls are smooth limestone. The upper parts have large windows framed by huge, decorative columns called pilasters. The very top part has a fancy border, a projecting ledge, and a decorative railing. A large, decorated shield at the top is a special feature of the central part.
The main entrance is right in the middle. It has a rounded arch decorated with a special stone called a keystone and fancy hanging designs. It's also framed by decorative columns that hold up a small "balcony" above.
Inside the Building
The public areas inside are grand and have classic details. The main lobby on the first floor still has its high 16-foot (4.9 m) ceiling. This ceiling has decorative plaster designs. The walls and window sills are made of marble. A beautiful marble staircase with a fancy iron railing goes from the first floor to the upper floors. The second and third floors still have their original white marble walls and green marble trim. The hallways on these floors have curved ceilings with plaster picture moldings.
The courtroom is very large and looks very dignified, fitting for a federal courthouse. Its 24-foot (7.3 m) ceiling has square sections with decorative moldings and plaster leaves. The walls have wood panels on the bottom, with raised plaster panels above. The windows are also decorated with plaster leaves. The courtroom has been kept very well. Even when the judge's bench and jury boxes were moved in 1936, the changes were carefully matched to the original 1906 designs.
Many old buildings in Grand Forks have been changed over time. But the Ronald N. Davies Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse is special because it has stayed mostly the same. It still shows the government's presence and is an important historic building in downtown Grand Forks.
Important Dates for the Building
- 1905-06: The Post Office and Federal Courthouse in Grand Forks is built.
- 1927: Plans are made for an addition to the back of the building to create more space for the U.S. Postal Service.
- 1936: The new addition is finished and opens to the public.
- 1964: The U.S. Postal Service moves to a new, bigger building. The old post office areas are changed into offices.
- 1976: The building is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2002: The building is officially named after Federal District Judge Ronald N. Davies.
Building Facts
- Architects: James Knox Taylor; Louis A. Simon
- Built: 1905-06; addition in 1936
- Special Status: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Location: 102 North 4th Street
- Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts
- Main Materials: Yellow brick, limestone
- Key Features: Beaux-Arts decorations outside, historic courtroom with original 1906 details.
