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Cedar Rapids U.S. Courthouse
Plans for a new U.S. Courthouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa were announced in 2002 when Congress approved design funding for the creation of a 254,328-square-foot building to replace the existing 1930-era courthouse. For financial reasons, the project was not funded for construction until the severe flooding in June 2008 forced the emergency relocation of court operations into leased space.
With the existing building in need of major repairs, Congress took quick action to approve full funding of the new courthouse project. Over the course of the design, the courthouse size has increased to 288,666 square feet.
This new facility will be the home of the Northern District of Iowa Courts in Cedar Rapids, which is part of the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. It will be constructed six blocks south of the existing building on the Cedar River. The eight-story building will include five courtrooms, as well as space for the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorney, Probation and Pretrial Services. There will also be space for GSA and local congressional offices.
The new courthouse is expected to open in 2012.
Project Location
Second Street and Seventh Avenue SE
Project Scope
288,666 square feet
Four shared courtrooms for District, Magistrate, and Bankruptcy Courts
One Special Proceedings Courtroom for ceremonial events.
Nine Chambers for resident and visiting judges
Building Tenants
U.S. Marshals Service Offices
U.S. Attorney Offices
Probation Offices
Pretrial Services
GSA
U.S. Senators
U.S. Representative
Total Estimated Project Cost (subject to change)
$160 million
Project History
November 2002: Congress approved design funding to begin work on a new courthouse in Cedar Rapids.
May 2004: Construction funding request is delayed due to financial uncertainties.
December 2004: Design is completed.
June 2008: Existing court facilities are closed following record floods in the downtown area. Court operations are relocated to temporary space while repairs are made on existing building.
September 2008: Congress approves full construction funding for the new courthouse. Designs are readdressed to ensure flood protection.
October 2008: GSA and city of Cedar Rapids reach agreement to transfer land in exchange for the existing courthouse and federal building. GSA continues repairs on old building until it returns to pre-flood condition. Design and site-layout of the new courthouse is approved by a GSA review board.
Design Partners
Architect of Record: OPN Architect, Inc.
Design Architect: Wm. Rawn and Associates
Security Consultant: SFS Architects, Inc.
Commissioning and Systems Integration: Jacobs, Inc.
Construction Partners
Construction Manager as Constructor: Ryan Companies U.S., Inc.
Last Reviewed 2/18/2009