Federal Building - It Seemed a Good Idea at the Time - 87 State Street

This building stands on the site of an 1891 Romanesque Chateau-style post office constructed from granite and marble that was demolished in 1963. Many local history buffs consider it to be one of the greatest architectural crimes in the city’s history, and personally, I think they have a point. I challenge anyone to look at a photo of the original, gorgeous building that once stood there without a gasp of dismay.

One interesting feature of the present building, though, which was dedicated in 1964, is the attractive stone facing of the building’s ground floor. It is often mistaken for marble, but in fact, it is a dark green stone called serpentine. It is pretty rare, so if you see this particular type of stone anywhere else, there’s a good chance it is Vermont Verde Antique, which comes from a quarry in Rochester, VT that’s been in operation for over 100 years. Another item of interest - this building is also the site of what might be the state’s longest anti-war protest. Sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee, more commonly known as Quakers, it has been taking place every Friday at noon in every kind of weather for almost 20 years.