It was designed by architects Alfred B. Mullett, William Appleton Potter, and James G. Hill,[3] and was constructed between 1873 and 1884.

[2] Located at the intersection of Eighth and Olive Streets, it is one of four surviving Federal office buildings designed by Mullett.

It is built in the Second Empire architectural style that was popular in the post American Civil War era.

Interior structure is a mixture of wrought and cast iron, supporting arched brick floors in a system that was referred to at the time of construction as "fireproof."

Interior detailing was extensive, with art glass panels, mosaic tile floors and bronze door knobs imprinted with the Seal of the United States.

Thirty offices on the second, third and fourth floors featured red Bologna marble fireplace mantels.

[3] It was transferred from the U.S. General Services Administration to the State of Missouri through the Federal Historic Surplus Property Program in September 2004.