SLAM served as Architect of Record for the new Huntsville Federal Courthouse in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. The firm developed all aspects of the design, including courtroom planning and space planning for all agencies, such as U.S. Marshals Service holding and support areas. Combining traditional architecture with advanced security and modern systems, the courthouse establishes a durable civic presence dedicated to justice, sustainability, and community.
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at-a-glanceHuntsville’s 1936 courthouse could no longer meet modern demands, with outdated security, space, and technology made worse by the city’s rapid growth. To support current and future caseloads and meet modern safety standards, Congress funded a new, purpose-built courthouse that offers updated facilities and ensures a lasting federal presence downtown while allowing the historic building to be repurposed.
The new Federal Courthouse in downtown Huntsville, Alabama, is located on a five-acre site at the southern edge of the central business district, bordered by Gallatin Street and Lowe Avenue. Designed in a Neoclassical style, the building adapts classical organizational and proportional principles to the needs of a modern 21st-century courthouse.
Its gently curved form responds to the trapezoidal site and sits atop a 20-foot earthen knoll, allowing each end of the building to align orthogonally with the streets it faces.
SLAM incorporated improvements, such as universal accessibility in the courtrooms, natural lighting in every courtroom, and upgraded public galleries.
The District Courts wanted to explore courtroom and chamber enhancements within the project scope. This required multiple design alternatives, iterations, coordination, and reviews to maintain the budget while meeting Judiciary goals. Doug and his team collaborated effectively with the Government throughout the design phase.
The new Courthouse stands as a prominent civic landmark in Huntsville. Its three stories, five courtrooms, six judges’ chambers, and specialized agency spaces facilitate efficient federal operations, while the curved wings and landscaped lawn enhance its public presence. Built with more than 6,200 hand-set limestone pieces, the building exemplifies fine craftsmanship and sustainability, achieving LEED Gold and SITES Silver certifications. Equipped with advanced security and technology systems, it offers a safe, functional, and visually impressive addition to the city.
The exterior of the courthouse is clad in Indiana limestone with a granite base.
The central atrium features a WPA era mural by Xavier Gonzalez which was moved from the historic courthouse.
The courtrooms feature marble backdrops behind the bench and coferred ceilings.
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