Auxiliary Civic Facilities Sites

Construction of the PennDOT facility on E Bishop St. in Bellefonte was undertaken as part of a sizable a New Deal project; the then-Department of Highways and Public Works Administration (PWA) provided the funds for the building's construction in 1937, along with many similar structures in other parts of Pennsylvania. The PWA provided a $54,218 grant for the project, whose total cost was $124,122. "Construction of 19 new garage and office buildings in as many counties has just been completed by the Department of Highways ... marking another forward step in the drive to develop maximum efficiency among our widespread field forces. This program was launched,...

Construction of the PennDOT facility on Pittsburgh Rd. in Franklin was undertaken as part of a sizable a New Deal project; the then-Department of Highways and Public Works Administration (PWA) provided the funds for the building’s construction in 1937, along with many similar structures in other parts of Pennsylvania. The PWA provided a $54,788 grant for the project, whose total cost was $125,412. "Construction of 19 new garage and office buildings in as many counties has just been completed by the Department of Highways ... marking another forward step in the drive to develop maximum efficiency among our widespread field forces. This program was launched,...

Construction of the PennDOT facility on Lincoln Hwy. in Lancaster was undertaken as part of a sizable a New Deal project; the then-Department of Highways and Public Works Administration (PWA) provided the funds for the building's construction in 1937-8, along with many similar structures in other parts of Pennsylvania. The PWA provided a $80,346 grant for the project, whose total cost was $190,761. "Construction of 19 new garage and office buildings in as many counties has just been completed by the Department of Highways ... marking another forward step in the drive to develop maximum efficiency among our widespread field forces. This program...

Construction of the PennDOT facility on W 4th St. in Lewistown was undertaken as part of a sizable a New Deal project; the then-Department of Highways and Public Works Administration (PWA) provided the funds for the building's construction in 1937, along with many similar structures in other parts of Pennsylvania. The PWA provided a $54,425 grant for the project, whose total cost was $128,452. "Construction of 19 new garage and office buildings in as many counties has just been completed by the Department of Highways ... marking another forward step in the drive to develop maximum efficiency among our widespread field forces. This program was...

Construction of the PennDOT facility at 716 Jordan Ave. in Montoursville was undertaken as part of a sizable a New Deal project; the then-Department of Highways and Public Works Administration (PWA) provided the funds for the building's construction in 1937, along with many similar structures in other parts of Pennsylvania. The PWA provided a $53,525 grant for the project, whose total cost was $124,323. "Construction of 19 new garage and office buildings in as many counties has just been completed by the Department of Highways ... marking another forward step in the drive to develop maximum efficiency among our widespread field forces. This program...

Construction of the PennDOT facility in Montrose was undertaken as part of a sizable a New Deal project; the then-Department of Highways and Public Works Administration (PWA) provided the funds for the building’s construction in 1937, along with many similar structures in other parts of Pennsylvania. The PWA provided a $58,050 grant for the project, whose total cost was $141,442. "Construction of 19 new garage and office buildings in as many counties has just been completed by the Department of Highways ... marking another forward step in the drive to develop maximum efficiency among our widespread field forces. This program was launched, immediately after inception...

Construction of the PennDOT facility on Witherow St. in Punxsutawney was undertaken as part of a sizable a New Deal project; the then-Department of Highways and Public Works Administration (PWA) provided the funds for the building's construction in 1937, along with many similar structures in other parts of Pennsylvania. The PWA provided a $59,175 grant for the project, whose total cost was $128,829. "Construction of 19 new garage and office buildings in as many counties has just been completed by the Department of Highways ... marking another forward step in the drive to develop maximum efficiency among our widespread field forces. This program...

Construction of the PennDOT facility on N Center Ave. in Somerset was undertaken as part of a sizable a New Deal project; the then-Department of Highways and Public Works Administration (PWA) provided the funds for the building’s construction in 1937, along with many similar structures in other parts of Pennsylvania. The PWA provided a $52,841 grant for the project, whose total cost was $121,185. "Construction of 19 new garage and office buildings in as many counties has just been completed by the Department of Highways ... marking another forward step in the drive to develop maximum efficiency among our widespread field forces. This program was launched,...

Construction of the PennDOT facility on N 5th Street Hwy. in Temple (north of Reading) was undertaken as part of a sizable a New Deal project; the then-Department of Highways and Public Works Administration (PWA) provided the funds for the building's construction in 1937, along with many similar structures in other parts of Pennsylvania. The PWA provided a $78,690 grant for the project, whose total cost was $179,990. "Construction of 19 new garage and office buildings in as many counties has just been completed by the Department of Highways ... marking another forward step in the drive to develop maximum efficiency among our widespread...

Construction of the PennDOT garage / building on Herr Street in Harrisburg was undertaken as a New Deal project: the then-Department of Highways and Public Works Administration (PWA) provided the funds for the building's construction in 1939. The News-Chronicle: "STATE GARAGE JOB SCHEDULED: Building for Offices of Two Districts Planned. The site of a proposed $375,000 new highway garage in Dauphin county, to house offices of Districts 7 and 8, will be at Twenty-first and Herr streets, Harrisburg, along the U. S. Route 22 by-pass. Bids for erection of the structure are expected to be opened within six weeks, Secretary of...

Construction of the PennDOT Maintenance Office building on Fox Chapel Road in Pittsburgh was undertaken as part of a sizable a New Deal project; the then-Department of Highways and Public Works Administration (PWA) provided the funds for the building's construction in 1937-8, along with many similar structures in other parts of Pennsylvania. The PWA provided a $85,815 grant for the project, whose total cost was $226,920. "Construction of 19 new garage and office buildings in as many counties has just been completed by the Department of Highways ... marking another forward step in the drive to develop maximum efficiency among our widespread field forces. This...

"Brick structure resting on a concrete foundation has a front-gable roof with a stepped parapet. Original window and door openings are framed by header bricks. Some of the 1/1 windows are square while others are rectangular. A cast stone plaque at the top of the parapet gives the date of construction...The original front entry has been bricked in. Other window openings have been bricked in, reduced in size, or enlarged. This project was constructed using WPA funds. An appropriation of $2,850 was made in September 1935."

The WPA constructed a port of entry facility in 1938 along U.S. 285. Living New Deal believes the facility to be long demolished. Carlsbad Current-Argus, 1938: Ground was broken at Malaga today for construction of a new port of entry building, two blocks south of the town. The new port of entry quarters will include an office and reception room, living quarters for inspectors and two rest rooms. Whether the building will be of rock or adobe will not be known until officials arrive with- detailed plans. Total cost of the structure also is undetermined. Twelve WPA laborers have been assigned to...

The historic main post office and Federal Building in Merced, California was constructed during the Great Depression with Treasury Department funds. Now known as T.V. Bell station, the facility houses two examples of New Deal artwork. Construction of the building is sometimes mis-attributed to the WPA.

The historic former post office in Sylvester, Georgia was constructed with Treasury Department funds in 1937. An example of New Deal artwork created for the facility was relocated to the community's current post office. The former post office is now a civic / Chamber of Commerce facility.

The Transylvania County Administration building at 101 South Broad Street in Brevard, North Carolina was originally constructed as a New Deal post office. The post office was one of several similar Federal/Greek Revival-style facilities in western North Carolina. Per The Transylvania Times: "On Aug. 3, 1938 bids were received on 10 sites available in the downtown Brevard. A lot on the corner of Broad and Morgan streets was purchased from Mrs. Beulah Zachary for $4,000 on May 5, 1939. Groundbreaking took place on May 6, 1940. The Post Office began operating from the building in January 1941." "The building served as the...

The historic former post office in Cairo, Georgia was constructed ca. 1935 with federal Treasury Department funds. The building, which housed an example of New Deal artwork, now houses the Grady County Board of Education.

The historic former Ellicott City post office was constructed ca. 1940 with federal Treasury Department funds. The building, which houses an example of New Deal artwork, presently serves as Howard County's Tourism & Promotion building.

This classic New Deal post office was constructed by the Treasury Department in 1938. It is still standing, but now houses the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. The mural originally painted for this post office has been moved to the new post office which is located catty corner from this building, to the northeast.

The historic former post office building in Perry, Florida was constructed with Treasury Department funds in a project sponsored by the federal Public Works Administration (PWA). This 1935 building was the only PWA project undertaken in Taylor County. The building became listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and now serves as an administrative complex for the county.

The historic former post office building in Summerville, South Carolina was constructed with federal Treasury Department funds. The building, which was completed in 1938, now houses civic offices.

"The one-story brick and limestone Modernistic style building, constructed in 1936-1937, is an excellent example of a Class C or D post office built from standardized plans developed in the 1930's." As of 2014, this building is in use as Cherry County Office Building.

“Protestant Cay residence, St. Croix. The reconstruction of this attractively located and interesting structure was completed except for certain minor details and except for the reconstruction of adjacent outbuildings. This residence will be made available as quarters for an officer of the government of the Virgin Islands.” The work was executed by the WPA and cost $ 6,000.

The Public Safety Building, originally constructed as the State Highway Building, at 500 Dexter Ave. in Montgomery, Alabama, was "erected with the aid of WPA funds". The building, designed by Warren, Knight, and Davis of Birmingham, is still in service, housing offices for many agencies of the State of Alabama.  

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) improved the Public Welfare Building in Nantucket. The location and status of this facilities is presently unknown to Living New Deal.

The old Recorder of Deeds Building is a three-story structure built 1941-1943 by the municipal government of the District of Columbia.  Funding was provided in 1940 by the Public Works Administration (PWA), which was by then part of the Federal Works Agency (FWA). The building was designed by the Office of the Municipal Architect under Nathan C. Wyeth. Its severe Classical Moderne style echoes that of the District of Columbia Municipal Center (Herman J. Daly Building), one block east.  Both were meant to be components of a large municipal complex planned for the Judiciary Square area, but never realized. A third companion building,...

From the Redlands history page: "Built during the WPA depression days, the building has been designated as the future location of the Redlands Historical Museum. Replacing the original Richardsonian masterpiece that mysteriously burned in 1939, this civic style building with classic elements and artnouveau bas reliefs, contains multiple styles, as if it was built by committee...it was!" This building now serves as the Administrative Offices for the Redlands Police Department. The new city hall is located directly across the street.

In 1933, acting under the leadership of Mayor Thayer, the local C.W.A. administrator, various actions were taken to stabilize the finances of the town and reemploy as many people as possible. Reconstruction Finance Corporation Grant Received during 1933: $19,820.75 Among the various project launched: 1-H Sewing project "supervised by Mrs. Blye Drew. Clothing of all kinds has been furnished, through the Poor Department, for the relief of needy persons. More than 400' mackinaws have been made and distributed to minimum paid 'Civil Works employees engaged in outdoor work, in this, the most severe winter we have experienced in a generation." (Thayer) No. 1 J -...

The Public Works Administration (P.W.A.) provided funding assistance toward in the construction of an 'addition' to the Rhode Island State House, located across the street from the State House. The building now houses the state's Department of Transportation.

Lumberton, North Carolina's Robeson County Agricultural Building was constructed in 1937 with federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor.

The New Deal contributed substantially to the betterment of Rock Creek Park in the 1930s.  This involved a number of federal agencies. Rock Creek Park is a key greenway in the District of Columbia and, at 1750 acres, is almost twice the size of Central Park in New York.  It was established by Congress in 1890, making it officially a National Park at the time.  It featured prominently in the far-reaching plans for the District of Columbia by the McMillan Commission in 1901-02 and the Olmsted Brothers report of 1918, which envisioned a major park with a scenic parkway running through it. In...

In 1936, the WPA completed the addition of this two-story annex next to the old city hall. At the time it housed a new jail, but no longer does so. An excerpt from the archive photo below reads: "This project has provided the City Police Department with a modern jail. The old jail was inadequate to handle the demand. The town being a railroad division point, results in numerous transients to deal with. Front view of City Hall - under this project the interior and exterior of building were remodeled and a new jail addition 10'x26' was built."

The Rowan County Jail and Superintendent's Office was completed in 1938 with funding from the WPA. Both the jail and the supt office are constructed of local rock.  The jail has crenellations decorating the top giving the appearance of a formidable castle. The superintendent's office now houses a museum.

Construction of stone voting houses was recommended because there were insufficient places for voting with previous solutions producing problems for locations that were over-crowded because of a central location, too small such as in one room schoolhouse, or too far for individuals to travel to vote.  It was felt that this discouraged voting. A total of 17 stone voting houses were proposed along with redistricting to enable citizens to access voting more easily.  Construction on the stone voting houses started in late 1935, concluding in 1936. Of 17 original stone voting houses, 11 remain, 9 of which are held in private...

The historic former Russell County Courthouse in Phenix City, Alabama was constructed with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. Presently titled the Justice Building, it is still operated by the county. The PWA provided a $42,340 grant for the project, whose total cost was $102,493. Construction occurred between December 1937 and November 1938. PWA Docket No. AL W1174.

The WPA built an annex on the North side of the Sacramento City Hall in 1939, but it was demolished in 2003. A new, five story building (much larger than the historic City Hall itself) was recently built just behind the building.

Originally the San Diego Civic Center (now the County Administration Center), it was built on 19 acres of filled tidelands. Inscribed on the portal is the motto: 'The Noblest Motive is the Public Good'. FDR dedicated the civic center on September 16, 1938. In his speech he noted, 'American democracy will live as long as the people keep in their hearts the motto inscribed.' (Branton 1991)

"In December 1926, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution declaring 'the necessity for the erection of a public building' for both the City and the County. As a result, three countywide votes were taken to approve the tidelands site for construction of the Civic Center, but three countywide bond votes to secure the necessary funding were defeated. In 1935, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt authorized $1 million to be granted from the Works Progress Administration to construct the Civic Center after a personal tour of the site…. "Four San Diego architects, William Templeton Johnson, Richard S. Requa, Louis J. Gill,...

These three murals in the San Diego County Administration Center were produced under the WPA by Jean Goodwin and Arthur Ames (who later married). Each mural stands about 18' high and is painted in egg tempera on muslin over a gesso surface. Each panel represents an aspect of life in San Diego County: Recreation, Agriculture, and Conservation. The murals hang in the Board Chamber to this day. Three smaller studies done in preparation for these murals also remain in the building. They can be found in Room 402a. The artists were assisted in their work by Alloys Bohner, William McAulby, Hazel Scheckler.

The "Guardian of Water" is a granite sculpture, with a mosaic and frieze around the base. It was created by Donal Hord in 1939, with support from the WPA. The sculpture is a 23' high figure of a woman holding an olla on her left shoulder, symbolizing the need for water conservation in southern California. She is surrounding by a mosaic of kneeling nudes- symbolizing clouds- pouring water from jars over a dam into a citrus-fruit orchard. The San Diego Historical Society Museum has on display a small scale plaster maquette and a film about the creation of this work.