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The United States Post Office and Court House (Joseph C. O’Mahoney Federal Center)

 

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The Joseph C. O’Mahoney (Federal Center) is historically significant on the local level under Criteria A and C for the areas of significance for Government and Architecture for the period 1965 to 1968. The building is significant under Criterion A as a local manifestation of a transformative period in federal building construction. During the 1960s, in an effort to meet a growing shortage of space, great numbers of federal office buildings were constructed throughout the nation employing new design principles, materials, and methods. In addition, the building is representative of the important role of the federal government has played in Cheyenne’s development and economy. The building is significant under Criterion C as an intact example of the work of regionally important architect, Frederic (also Frederick) C. Porter, Sr. The Federal Center was Porter’s last major architectural project. In designing the building, Porter offered a local interpretation of the principles, goals, and directives then guiding federal architecture under the massive building program managed by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The building employs a three-part composition and Formalist design characteristics to evoke the strength and permanence of the federal government. The incorporation of a prominent landscaped plaza, the use of high quality, but cost effective, materials, and the incorporation of art, Robert Russin’s bas-relief sculpture, Wyoming Pioneer Family, reflect GSA’s design guidance. An internationally known artist who taught at the University of Wyoming and resided in Laramie, Russin’s work appears in several public buildings in Wyoming. The period of significance is from 1965, when the building was completed, to 1968, when Russin’s bas-relief sculpture, Wyoming Pioneer Family, was installed in the tower lobby.

 
United-States-Post-Office-and-Court-House-Joseph-C-OMahoney-Federal-Center

 

Date Added to Register:
March 8, 2017
 
Location:
Cheyenne
 
County:
Laramie County
 
Smithsonian Number: 
LA3393