 The 1971 nomination form noted that the then @-@ current state of the building was in a state of neglect . After passing through the vestibule , the front area served as the postal sorting rooms , office and mail boxes . In this area , the original iron columns are visible between the wood panels of the clerks ' windows . The tile floors were noted to be an alteration , but the second floor stair landing likely had its original tiling remain . The second floor was accessible via cast iron stairs with iron railings , that lead up the customs quarters that had a large room with " seven sets of iron @-@ framed windows , with heavy iron sills and interior shutters . " This room was described as " impressively large " because of its 17 feet ( 5 @.@ 2 m ) high ceilings and 8 feet ( 2 @.@ 4 m ) paneled door , the floor is made of hard wood and a " very plain marble fireplace is in one corner of the large room . " The supports of the building stem from the cellar where granite piers support horizontal iron beams that hold up iron columns on the first floor . 
