Bricker building, 1912
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Why and when did the of Bricker Building double in size?

• The building was originally built (1884-1897) to be the United States Post Office and Courthouse, home for many offices for the federal government in Columbus.  The federal government oversees many different duties—the post office, taxes, and federal laws, and the original building (half the size of the present building) had courtrooms, a place to buy postage stamps and mail packages, and even a jail.  Within a short period of time, more space was needed.  Instead of just enlarging the building, the building was doubled in size but also changed in style.  By 1912, the building had changed from being Romanesque Revival (with many round arched windows) into a Victorian Gothic Style building with rearranged windows and pointed arched entrances.

Why was there a jail inside?

• It is said that the jail was there to imprison people who did not pay their taxes, but the building was built and enlarged before there was a federal income tax.  The jail was probably designed to hold anyone awaiting trial in the federal court.​

What is the purpose of the building now?

• The law firm, which is presently in the building, renovated and preserved the building.

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