Old Federal Building-Federal Courthouse

Built in 1936 as a post office, this one-story building at 104 Third Street North in Lufkin is now a federal courthouse. It has a rectangular plan with load-bearing red brick walls, a hip roof of standing seam metal, and a limestone cornice. Four large Doric pilasters mark the main facade, which also carries cast metal modillions. Windows are twelve-over-twelve wood double-hung sashes with limestone lintels, and granite steps lead to the entry. The doors were probably altered with modern glass and aluminum. The building was listed for its architecture, at the local level. Its plan departs from the common post office design, and the hip roof and Tuscan Doric pilasters are uncommon features. Louis A. Simon supervised construction. Federal judges reportedly preferred renovating the structure to demolishing it for a new courthouse. The General Services Administration treated the building as significant and cooperated in its rehabilitation. The building remains on its original site and is in good condition after the renovation.