International Programs > University Faculty Senate Governance Handbook > Communications Insider - 2009 Archive > Audit Guidance Contents > The Federal Building

The U.S. Custom House and Post Office was constructed by the Federal Government between 1874 and 1884. The building served as a customs house and post office until 1975. The architecture is identified in Federal records as late English Renaissance, but the architect is unknown. It is known that the government constructed several other post offices just like this one in other parts of the country. Originally, the building had a courtyard in its center, with a sky light, and offices were located on the outer perimeter. The building was obtained at a large educational discount through the Federal Government, and its renovation was financed from a grant from the Federal Government. The total cost of its original construction was over $600,000. To build it today would cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $22,000,000.