New federal courthouse in Huntsville set to open on schedule

Anyone who has driven by the ongoing construction of the new federal courthouse building in the Twickenham district of Huntsville can see that significant progress has been made on this project.

And according to the U.S. General Services Administration, the courthouse is on schedule to open this summer.

Timeline on the federal courthouse building

The USGSA says the courthouse construction will be complete by July 31, 2024.

Congress approved funding for the construction of the new 123,000-square-foot federal courthouse in 2019, and construction began three years later, with a groundbreaking in September of 2022.

The three-story courthouse will include five courtrooms and six judges’ chambers, as well as workspace for the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the U.S Probation and Pretrial Services. 

Key milestones for the project:

• November 2019 – Award of the A/E Bridging Architect
• October 2020 – Award of the CMa & Commissioning Contract
• March 2021 – Bridging Design phase complete
• August 2021 – Award of the Design/ Build Contract
• February 2022 – Art-in-Architecture Award
• April 2022 – Construction NTP
• September 2022 – Groundbreaking
• December 2022 – Design complete (100% construction documents)
• July 31, 2024 – Planned substantial completion

More on the federal courthouse project

Here are a few more specifics regarding the new courthouse:

• The courthouse is located on a 5-acre site at the corner of Lowe Avenue and Gallatin Street.
• The project received authorized funding of $103 million for site acquisition, design and construction services.
• The new courthouse’s design is neoclassical in style, with a large pedimented entry portico flanked by gently arcing symmetrical wings.
• The design also features a large formal public lawn with symmetrical plantings that will help both to create a sense of space and to focus the eye towards nearby panoramic views.
• Birmingham-based firm Brasfield & Gorrie is the lead contractor on this project.
• Local artist Caleb O’Connor was awarded the public art commission for the courthouse.

“Our goal with this project is to provide a safe and secure work environment that meets the 21st century needs of the federal judiciary. Throughout this process, we’ve collaborated closely with the City of Huntsville, and we’re extremely thankful for that partnership.”

Kevin Kerns, acting regional administrator for GSA’s Southeast Sunbelt Region

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