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By Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7
The historic Hilo Federal Building was celebrated for the completion of a major $8.93 million dollar two-year renovation project on Thursday (Oct 20).
The renovation and modernization of the building included upgrades to protect against earthquakes, roof repairs, improved the air conditioning system, lighting, ADA accessiblity while restoring historic features to the building such as opening up the ceiling for the old courtroom space on the third floor and the original dome skylights.
The building was originally designed in 1915 by architect Henry O. Whitfield of New York and the date can be seen embossed at the top of the downspouts attached to the side of the main building. The original construction took two years with the completion coming in 1917.
In 1936 the Treasury Department designed two three-story wings for the South side of the building. The date 1936 can be seen embossed upon the top of the downspouts attached to the sides of the wings along with a plaque on the front of the mauka wing. The wings were constructed between 1937 and 1938 and form a U-shape to the building with a courtyard.
In 1974 the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places noting the new-classic style, columns with doric captals, ornamental downspouts, mosaic-tiled fountain and two concrete urns.
The renovation was carried out with Mason Architects and Constructors Hawaii. The work by Constructors Hawaii was carried out in multiple phases so the building could remain occupied and operational during the renovation.
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