However, Judge Emory Speer refused to vacate that building, insisting that only an addition was necessary and major construction would disrupt the court.

James Knox Taylor, Supervising Architect of the U.S. Treasury Department, designed the new building in the Beaux Arts Classicism style, which he believed conveyed the dignity of the Federal government.

In 1961, he ordered the University of Georgia to admit two African-American students, Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter, who were denied admission because of race.

A related ruling by Judge Bootle denied Governor Ernest Vandiver the ability to refuse state funding to the university if it was integrated.

Judge Bootle also ordered the desegregation of the Macon bus system in 1962 and Bibb County public schools in 1970.

Architect James Knox Taylor was responsible for the construction of many classically inspired buildings during his Federal career.

Taylor believed that classical architecture espoused the symbolic value of Federal buildings as lasting monuments to the ideals of democracy.

The building contains many character-defining features such as the central pavilion with a pediment (triangular gable), monumental paired columns, balustrades, and decorative swags and garlands.

The facade is clad in white marble on the front and side elevations, but cream-colored glazed brick is on the rear portion.

The original portion of the building had a U-shaped plan with an open light court that provided illumination to interior spaces.

In the postal lobby, verde (green) marble pilasters (attached columns) with scrolled Ionic capitals decorate the walls.

Elevators have been replaced, but the exterior finishes are original and include doors with brass panels and verde marble surrounds.