the us federal building is prominently located in downtown newport, at the southwest corner of main and second streets. it is just east of the orleans county courthouse and jail complex, and across main street from newport city hall. it is four stories in height, built out load-bearing brick and stone. the ground floor is finished in gray marble divided by deep bands, and appears as a raised basement. the upper floors are finished in red brick laid in flemish bond. the second and third-floor windows are set in rectangular openings with marble keystones and sills, while the short fourth level appears to be a raised element of the third floor. a projecting cornice with dentillated entablature extends around the building.