The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) unveiled the design concept for a new federal courthouse in downtown Chattanooga, marking the first renderings of a project to reflect the Trump administration’s emphasis on traditional civic architecture.
The approximately 191,000-square-foot courthouse, planned for Vine Street, will consolidate several federal judicial functions into a single secure facility, including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and the Circuit Library.
The building will feature seven courtrooms, nine judges’ chambers, dedicated space for the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office, and 40 interior parking spaces.
Renderings released by GSA depict a stately courthouse inspired by classical architectural traditions, with a formal façade and prominent civic presence designed to distinguish it as a public institution.
The U.S. government just unveiled the majestic Greco-Deco design for the new federal courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The building is at once monumental and welcoming, classical and original. The iris capitals are an inspired touch, drawing on Tennessee’s natural beauty and… pic.twitter.com/7wClVPWWSn
— Justin Shubow (@JustinShubow) June 12, 2026
The design aligns with President Donald Trump’s 2025 executive order, Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again, which established classical and traditional architecture as the preferred style for major federal buildings, including courthouses.
“We are delivering on President Trump’s Executive Order to ‘Make Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,’ while constructing a new courthouse that focuses on safety, efficiency, and accessibility in a top-tier facility,” said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst.
Trump’s executive order directs federal agencies to prioritize architecture that is visually identifiable as civic in nature, reflects regional heritage, and conveys the “dignity, enterprise, vigor, and stability” of the American government.
Chief Judge Travis R. McDonough described the soon-to-be-constructed Chattanooga courthouse as a landmark investment in the city’s future.
“This enduring symbol of our republic will become Chattanooga’s premier civic space,” McDonough said. “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.”
The project team includes Brasfield & Gorrie as construction manager as constructor, fs3IHodges as construction manager as advisor, and HOK as designer of record.
GSA has also launched a federal art commission solicitation tied to the project, with additional construction milestones expected to be announced as planning advances.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
