The U.S. General Services Administration has unveiled the design concept for a new federal courthouse in downtown Chattanooga, presenting plans for a classical-style building that officials say will serve as the region’s primary center for federal judicial operations for generations.
The approximately 191,000-square-foot courthouse is planned for Vine Street and will consolidate several federal judicial functions under one roof, including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and the Circuit Library.
The facility will include seven courtrooms, nine judges’ chambers, 40 interior parking spaces and dedicated space for federal agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the GSA reports.
The agency said the design emphasizes security, operational efficiency and accessibility while adopting a classical architectural style.
Chief Judge Travis R. McDonough of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee describes the project as a significant civic investment for Chattanooga.
“This enduring symbol of our republic will become Chattanooga’s premier civic space,” McDonough says. “As our city’s most consequential building in generations, this courthouse will stand for the next century as a sanctuary for those who seek justice, a forum to gather together and a classroom to educate our student citizens.”
GSA said Brasfield & Gorrie is serving as construction manager as constructor, while fs3IHodges is serving as construction manager as adviser. The design team is led by HOK, which is serving as designer of record.
The agency also announced a solicitation for a federal art commission associated with the courthouse project. Applications will be accepted through June 15.
Additional project milestones, including a construction timeline, are expected to be announced as the project advances.
The new courthouse is intended to replace and modernize federal judicial facilities in Chattanooga while creating a prominent civic landmark in the city’s downtown core.
Source: U.S. General Services Administration