The decorative peristyle on this side of Main Street, located alongside Houston Street between Main and Commerce, was built in 1940 by the WPA (Work Projects Administration). It is a twin to the peristyle on the north side of Main. Likewise, the reflecting pool on this side was constructed earlier, in 1937, by the NYA (National Youth Administration). Both the WPA and NYA were temporary "New Deal" public works agencies legislated into existence to help alleviate unemployment during the Great Depression.