the federal building was designed by the local firm starks and flanders, who also designed the elks tower, the alhambra theatre, and the c. k. mcclatchy high school. it reflects several early 20th century revival architectural styles, including neoclassical, and especially a simplified renaissance revival style from the original french renaissance architecture era. construction was completed in 1933. the legacy firm of starks and flanders is nacht & lewis architects which is still operating in sacramento.