For those who missed the tour at the Old Post Office today, see highlights below:
The Old Post Office, in the Second Empire architectural style, was ranked No. 6 at the National Historic Landmark. The sculpture above was the original moved from the exterior. Subsequently the exterior sculpture was replaced by a replica. The sculpture was done by Daniel Chester French, the same artist who did the sculpture in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.!
The new glass screen walls were added to increase the amount of rental square footage. This historic preservation made a great story in financing a project, which was made possible by the combination of mortgage, monetary gift, and tax credits.
Maintaining the security at the courtroom here at the upper floor of a mixed-use building is challenging! The wooden rails separating the court well and the audience were the original. The judicial bench was new with the workmanship and style complementary to the original rail design. Acoustical treatment was added. Being constructed after the Great Chicago Fire, the design intent was to eliminate the use of wood or combustible materials. All the amazing details shown here at the columns, and around the doors and window trims were made of cast iron! There are also the original sliding fire shutters at all windows that can be closed in order to protect the building from fire.