The home of the North Carolina General Assembly is unique in that it is devoted solely to the legislative branch of state government. The architect for the building was Edward Durrell Stone. Completed in January 1963, the building is classical in character. Rising from a broad 340-foot wide podium of North Carolina granite, the marble-faced building proper is encompassed by a colonnade of square columns reaching from the podium to the main roof of the second floor. From the main entrance, the red-carpeted staircase leads directly to the third floor where visitors may view the Senate and House chambers. In addition to the chambers, the State Legislative Building includes members' offices, committee rooms, an auditorium, press facilities, administrative offices, and a cafeteria. A special feature of the building is the four garden courts located at the four corners of the first floor. (Adapted from the North Carolina Historic Sites website)