The Federal Bankruptcy Courthouse houses two bankruptcy courtrooms, one District courtroom and necessary ancillary spaces including judges’ chambers and attorney conference rooms. Office space is also provided for the U.S. Marshal Service, U.S. Attorneys, Office of Hearings and Appeals and the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Cost and schedule were major factors in determining the course of design of this developer-driven design-build project.

The new courthouse contributes to the life and vitality of the city through its careful placement on the site, the relationship to the adjacent streets in terms of scale, rhythm of the façade elements and the provision of appropriately scaled public space at the building entrance. Special consideration was given to the location of the security checkpoint in this building. The design incorporates the security stations within a niche, thus maintaining spatial integrity of the visual symbol of democracy while providing for safety.