The Old Federal Courts Building was designed and built between 1892 and 1902. The structure was designed by Willoughby Edbrooke and James Knox Taylor in their capacities as Supervising Architect of the Treasury. Until its closing in 1969, it housed several Federal courts, the Post Office and other offices. From 1969 to 1973, local residents and civic leaders in St. Paul waged an ultimately successful campaign to prevent the demolition of this highly significant structure. Restoration of the entire building took place from 1973 to 1978, when it opened as the Landmark Center, owned and maintained by Ramsey County.
From the guide to the Old Federal Courts Building collection, 1892-1946, (University of Minnesota Libraries. Northwest Architectural Archives, Manuscripts Division [naa])