Federal Building and Post Office
Why it's listed
Occupying an entire block in downtown Brooklyn bounded by Cadman Plaza East and Johnson, Adams and Tillary Streets, this granite federal building and post office was begun in 1885 and finished in 1891. Mifflen E. Bell, Supervising Architect of the Treasury Department, designed it, though several successors worked on it before it opened in April 1892. The site consumed over half the appropriation, leaving little for construction. The original section has three and a half stories, slate mansard roofs, dormers, a square corner tower and conical-roofed turrets flanking a grand arched entrance. Round arches, carved rosettes and polished and rock-faced granite give the exterior its texture. A 1933 extension, supervised by James Wetmore, copies the original materials and ornament closely. Its significance rests on its quality as Romanesque Revival work, enlivened by chateauesque rooflines and Renaissance details, and on its role as a prominent landmark along Cadman Plaza near Borough Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is an outstanding example of Romanesque Revival architecture, noted for its skillful massing, carving and craftsmanship. Its chateauesque roofline and Renaissance details give it a lively character that contrasts with the sedate surroundings. It is also a significant visual element of the Municipal Center complex along Cadman Plaza.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 74001250, listed October 9, 1974. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 271 Cadman Plaza, E., New York |
|---|---|
| County | Brooklyn |
| Listed | October 9, 1974 |
| Reference number | 74001250 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1885-1933 |
| Architect / builder | Mifflen E. Bell, Supervising Architect of the Treasury Department (original); James Wetmore, Acting Architect of the Treasury Department (1933 extension) |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival with chateauesque character and French and German Renaissance elements |
| Areas of significance | Community Planning and Development, Architecture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as in excellent condition and altered, occupied and in use as a post office and government building; the original Johnson Street main entrance is no longer in use. |
| Acreage | 1.5 |
| Coordinates | 40.69565, -73.98964 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 74001250.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5440041
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.