The E.M. Dirksen U.S. Federal Courthouse underwent a complete renovation of three floors, including the incorporation of four new two-story district courtrooms, four magistrate courtrooms and ancillary chambers, offices and facilities. Additionally, the elevator lobby cabs throughout the building were renovated, as was the master clock system. In total, the 105,000 sf project had a construction cost of $22.4 million, approximately $1.3 million less than budgeted.

The Federal Center project, originally designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1961, has an architectural and judicial history of great importance. Central to the renovation was the need to respect the original design, while bringing it up to modern requirements in both technology and feel, all within a fully occupied downtown Federal building.

Special care was taken to meet the function and aesthetic requirements of the court. The design ensures that the architectural vocabulary makes a statement of the space’s dignity. The new design also incorporates the latest in technology and space usage.