Robert A. Grant Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
204 S. Main St.
South Bend, IN 46601
The four-story, 136,000-square-foot Robert A. Grant Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, one of the most impressive buildings in downtown South Bend, Indiana, has received many awards including ENERGY STAR®, Green Globes, local and regional The Office Building of the Year (TOBY) from the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), and a BOMA 360 designation.
Property Manager: Jim Morrison
For building services and information, contact the property manager using the contact information provided at the upper right of this page.
Building Projects On-going projects have enabled GSA to continuously improve tenant workspaces, operating efficiency, and historic preservation. These projects include the complete restoration of the first floor main lobby and copper roof, as well as the installation of fire alarm and sprinkler systems; an automated, energy-efficient heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system; and high-efficiency, low-water restroom fixtures.
Building Hours and Access The building is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays). the courthouse is accessed through the doors on the corner of Main and Jefferson streets.
Parking and Public Transportation Regularly scheduled public transportation is available from the South Bend TRANSPO bus system. Ample parking is available on-site and in adjacent municipal parking garages and surface lots.
Building Amenities Tenant amenities include an exercise room, shower rooms, an outdoor plaza, and bicycle parking.
Historical and Architectural Features Designed by the architectural firm of Austin & Shambleau in the Art Moderne and Art Deco styles, the Grant U.S. Courthouse was constructed by the Federal Government in 1933. The exterior masonry walls of the building are faced with Indiana limestone and Vermont granite veneer.
However, the historic elegance of the courthouse is found in its striking interior. The building includes a two-story, barrel-vaulted lobby, decorated with marble flooring and walls, brass and art glass windows, ornately finished plaster ceilings, and refurbished chain-suspended chandeliers. The former postal lobby echoes the grandeur of the period – right down to original, intricately designed brass and glass postal tables restored to their natural beauty.
In 1983, an extensive renovation project was undertaken, and the entire building was converted to use by the Federal Courts and their support services, including the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorneys, and U.S. Probation. In 1992, the building was named after Judge Robert A. Grant, a local leader who served 35 years on the bench and 10 years as a U.S. Congressman. The graceful edifice is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A second architectural highlight of the courthouse is its dramatic, two-story courtroom, trimmed with walnut paneling. The original roof over the courtroom is constructed of standing-seam copper. In 2008 new entrance doors, replicas of the original brass doors set in bronze frames with ornate windows and detail, were installed in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In 2009 renovation of the two passenger elevators restored the interiors of their historic cabs and modernized their mechanical systems.
