Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Federal Building
(City-County Administration Building)
— Helena Historic District —
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021
1. Federal Building Marker
Emphasizing balance, symmetry, and restraint, the Renaissance Revival style organizes large buildings into horizontal layers, with each floor becoming increasingly more refined. Designed by James Knox Taylor, the Federal Building achieves this effect through the use of rusticated ashlar on the first floor. An extended belt course separates the upper floors, which are faced with smooth coursed sandstone. Ornate moldings and Corinthian capitals accent the recessed arched windows. Reinforcing the aura of refinement, a diamond-shaped, red, stone tile frieze rests below the wide, overhanging eave, decorated with heavy timber modillions. The 1904 building’s traditional exterior masks a steel frame, the construction technique behind the modern skyscraper. On its opening, the building housed the federal court, U.S. Marshals Service, and post office. Two prominent, but unadorned side wings and a rear addition built in 1931 reflect the expanding role of the federal government. In 1978 the City of Helena and Lewis and Clark jointly acquired the building, which remains an important center of government.Erected by
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.
Location. 46° 35.393′ N, 112° 2.425′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker is on North Park Avenue near West 6th Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 316 N Park Ave, Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Unitarian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Montana Club (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Federal Reserve Bank (about 300 feet away); Christmas Gift Evans House (about 400 feet away); Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Montana (about 500 feet away); Discovery of Gold in Last Chance Gulch (about 600 feet away); Fashion Livery and Boarding Stable (about 600 feet away); Power Block and Power Block West (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021
2. Federal Building and Marker
The marker is on a stand at the far left.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 2, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
