1878 glory back in Raleigh Article 0 comments 1917 NEWS & OBSERVER FILE PHOTO The Federal Building on Fayetteville Street is seen at center, behind the lamppost. Email Print Order Reprint Share This Share Text tool name close x tool goes here BY BROOKE CAIN - bcain@newsobserver.com BY BROOKE CAIN The News and Observer bcain@newsobserver.com For nearly four years beginning in early 2005, while federal Judge J. Rich Leonard presided over his usual docket of bankruptcy hearings, he also immersed himself in the world of 19th century architecture and design, obsessing over paint colors, carpet patterns, and period light fixtures. The result of Leonard's long obsession - and of the hard work of scores of other devoted architects, contractors, and millworkers - is the beautiful reconstruction and renovation of historic courtrooms and meeting rooms in the Federal Building on Fayetteville Street. The Federal Building, which houses the downtown Raleigh post office and federal bankruptcy courts, was a marvel when it was completed in 1878, boasting 19 Fireplaces, rich mahogany trim, and what many believe to be the city's first indoor toilets. Over the years, sections of the building fell into disrepair, and the third floor eventually was closed. When the state needed new courtroom space for an additional bankruptcy judge, Leonard looked upstairs. What he found was a space that had been largely empty
1878 glory back in Raleigh Article 0 comments 1917 NEWS & OBSERVER FILE PHOTO The Federal Building on Fayetteville Street is seen at center, behind the lamppost. Email Print Order Reprint Share This Share Text tool name close x tool goes here BY BROOKE CAIN - bcain@newsobserver.com BY BROOKE CAIN Th ...
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