It was designed by the Office of the Supervising Architect under James A. Wetmore and built by W. H. Frissell & Co. of New York City.

This fine, two-story example of the Renaissance Revival style is located on the south west corner of Court and Main Streets facing the Connecticut River.

The government finally chose this location, federally owned since 1841, in the center of Middletown's commercial and financial district.

Its facade of smooth limestone distinguished it in a city center where brick and Portland brownstone were the common building materials.

The classical facade displays a two-story arrangement of arched windows and pilasters supporting an elaborate entablature.