I wanted to bring this photo forward to show how well the 1888-1892 (?) Plaza design did over time. There's plenty of benches now and the fountain has gained a central sculpture, but who it is of, I don't know. The encircling brick wall is in place now too.
The Federal Courthouse is nearing completion, dwarfing the Baker Block. Actually the courthouse was finished twice. After completion, funding finally came through from DC for the top two floors and penthouse, so they were added. It opened in 1940.
When the
new Federal Courthouse is finally completed, the 75-year-old "unsafe" one will come down. Does that mean we will get the Downey Block back? JK
usc / previously post by sopas ej
And one last look back at the 1871 design for the Plaza, with its elevated fountain and raggedy turf. This was quite early days, before it got so overgrown:
water and power