The old Federal Building, now the Hippodrome State Theatre, is Gainesville's finest example of Palladium Classical Revival Architecture. The building rests on granite block. A riveted steel frame construction supports carved limestone trim which was also used for the columns, capitals, entablature and ballustrade.
Individual blocks provide bases for six Corinthian limestone columns which support the pediment.
The hipped roof is constructed of clay tile and is surrounded by ornate limestone scroll work. Bronze entry doors, an elevator, steam heat, terrazzo floors and richly plastered interiors were considered very elaborate for Gainesville in 1911. The first floor was used as the Post Office, the second floor was designed as a the Courtroom, richly trimmed inwood and accessed through leather covered doors, and the third floor was used as office space, including the U.S. Land Office. The building was designed by Federal Architect Thomas Ryerson, with Supervising Architect J.K. Taylor and the Superintendent of Construction was John Young. 1909 Construction begins with James Knox Taylor as Supervising Architect, E.C. Heard as Structural Engineer.