en.Wedoany.com Reported - One of the first buildings born from the "Making Federal Buildings Beautiful Again" executive order (EO) issued by the Trump administration in August 2025 has begun to take shape, as the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has released renderings of the new federal courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee, designed by HOK.
The courthouse, with a building area of 191,000 square feet, will replace the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building. Upon completion, the building will house the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and a circuit library, featuring seven courtrooms, nine judges' chambers, and dedicated spaces for the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and other federal partners. Brasfield & Gorrie serves as the construction manager (builder), with fs3|Hodges acting as the construction manager (consultant).
The main facade of the building is crescent-shaped, with external ribbon-like volumes on both sides, where the two main entrances are located. The crescent form frames a prominent intersection on Chattanooga's Vine Street. The building features square fluted columns with capitals inspired by the Tennessee state flower, the iris.
Paul Woolford, HOK's lead designer, stated that the courthouse is designed to be an urban landmark embodying transparency, dignity, and resilience, balancing openness with security needs while responding to Chattanooga's character. The GSA noted that the building combines modern functionality with classical architecture, becoming a dignified landmark and a judicial center for the entire region. Currently, the GSA is seeking federal art commission projects to be realized in conjunction with the new building, with an estimated art budget between $800,000 and $1.1 million. Application materials must be submitted by June 15.
Justin Shubow, president of the National Civic Art Society (NCAS), stated that the courthouse will be proof that the executive order represents wise and humane public policy (NCAS lobbied for the executive order). Chief Judge Travis R. McDonough of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee said the design is an enduring symbol of the Republic and will become Chattanooga's most important public space. However, Lee Bey, architecture critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, commented on social media that while the GSA calls the design "Greco Deco," in his view it is "Greco Deco and Speer," evoking the Third Reich architect Albert Speer.
According to NCAS, the courthouse will be completed before the end of President Trump's term, serving as the pinnacle of the executive order.
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