Since 2021, this historic American building has been undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation by the U.S. General Services Administration Public Building Service. And all that time, portable restrooms have provided comfort to many construction workers. The project is slated to be completed in 2025.
The imposing three-story building was constructed between 1894 and 1899 in the Second Renaissance Revival style, using locally sourced white marble for its outside walls. Imagine how they managed the project before the advent of excavators, cranes or other power equipment — and before portable sanitation was a thing. It was backbreaking, dangerous and often unpleasant work. And at the end of the day, the construction crews had to walk home or ride on the back of a horse.
This building takes up a complete city block and is located adjacent to one of many small tree-shaded squares that this downtown area is known for.
This building has served the same purpose for all of its life: the business of government and judging the guilty and the innocent.
Do you know where it is and what its name is yet? If not, read these clues and take a look at the photos:
• Among the folks who work in this building are James Randal Hall, Lisa Godbey Wood and R. Stan Baker.
• In the War Between the States, residents of this city fought on the losing side.
• This bustling and tourism-minded urban area is not built on the ocean, but on a tributary that reaches out to the ocean and nearby beachfront towns.
• Remember the name Oglethorpe, the father of what is known as America’s first planned city.
• The hometown of notables Eli Whitney, Johnny Mercer and Flannery O’Conner.
• The fictional Forrest Gump was seen roaming its streets. This is where he sat on a bench and said “Life is like a box of chocolates.”
• If you can’t get to Ireland, this is the next best place to be for St. Patrick’s Day.
To win the contest, name the building and address where the photos were taken. The winner will be recognized as a geographical whiz on the PRO Facebook page. Send your responses to editor@promonthly.com.
