Federal Reserve Martin Building

In 1937, a beacon of modern classicism arose on Constitution Avenue: the Federal Reserve Martin Building. Originally called the Marriner S. Eccles Building, it later became the William McChesney Martin Jr. Building. This structure, born from the Banking Act of 1935, consolidated the scattered Federal Reserve staff under one roof. Prior to its construction, the Federal Reserve Board had operated out of the U.S. Treasury Building and various locations across Washington D.C. The Federal Reserve Martin Building signaled a new era of centralized control and efficient operation. The renowned architect Paul Philippe Cret, a French émigré known for his work on the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Duke Ellington Bridge, designed the Federal Reserve Martin Building. Cret’s vision extended beyond the building itself, encompassing a cohesive landscape design that mirrored its stripped classical style. The building showcased clean lines, symmetrical order, and a touch of emerging modernism. Inside, nationally recognized artists contributed to the building’s grandeur. Sidney Waugh, a prominent sculptor, crafted the eagle sculpture gracing the Constitution Avenue entrance and designed atrium lighting. Ezra Winter, a celebrated muralist, painted a large map of the United States in the Board Room. Samuel Yellin, a master iron craftsman, created intricate railings, gates, and fixtures throughout the building. Construction of the Federal Reserve Martin Building, undertaken by the George A. Fuller Company, commenced in February 1936 and concluded in August 1937. The Federal Reserve Board officially occupied their new headquarters on August 9, 1937. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the building on October 20, 1937, cementing its place in the city’s architectural landscape. The Federal Reserve Martin Building wasn’t the end of the story. The Federal Reserve’s growth continued, necessitating a second building just north of the first. This addition, also designed by Cret’s former partners, reflects a contemporary take on classicism. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and evolving needs of the Federal Reserve.