For 1858 the building when completed sat imposing and was then one of the more modern buildings in the city. It was even today 152 years later still an edifice that speaks volumes about building techniques of the day. One of the more interesting aspects of this building are the 2 pillars that greet one at the front door. They stand about 12 or so ft from street to the roof overhang and are made of cast iron. There is an ornateness to them that speaks of one mans craftsmanship back in a day that perhaps placed him almost as an artisan, or high quality tradesman of his time. They have been painted over and left to the elements but under the soot and grime of the years gone by one can see clearly the product of a time gone by and how people did things then. It is as far as I have been able to see the only surviving example of cast iron craftsmanship that has survived....thanks for the peek