October 21, 2026

GSA Breaks Ground on Highly Anticipated, Classically Inspired U.S. Courthouse in Chattanooga

New Civic Landmark to Support the Eastern District of Tennessee with Improved Security and Service

CHATTANOOGA, TN — Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), alongside federal, state, and local leaders, officially broke ground on the new United States Courthouse in downtown Chattanooga. The classically inspired landmark will house the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee in an advanced complex to serve the region for decades to come.

“Today’s groundbreaking is an important milestone for Chattanooga and the Eastern District of Tennessee,” said Administrator Edward C. Forst. “GSA is honored to work alongside the Judiciary to deliver a brand-new courthouse with great value, care, and speed. This courthouse will stand as an institution of dignity, stability, and justice — and as part of the enduring federal legacy we pass on to future generations.”

“This ceremony marks the culmination of decades of hope and effort into reality,” said Chief Judge Travis R. McDonough, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “The court thanks Administrator Forst and his team for their on-time start, protecting both taxpayers and this project. Together, we will create a premier civic and architectural landmark—a testament to our city’s history and prominence as well as our nation’s commitment to equal justice.”

At approximately 191,000-square-feet, the $282 million facility will consolidate the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and Circuit Library into one central location. It will feature seven courtrooms, nine judges’ chambers, secure interior parking spaces, and dedicated space for federal partners including the U.S. Department of Justice - U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service. The project is expected to reach substantial completion in 2030.

The structure is also notable as one of the inaugural courthouses designed in accordance with President Trump’s Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again Executive Order, which promotes beautiful civic architecture that inspires the human spirit, ennobles the United States, and commands respect from the general public.

Brasfield & Gorrie is serving as Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc), fs3IHodges as Construction Manager as Advisor (CMa), and HOK leading the design team as Designer of Record.

For more information and to follow construction milestones, visit GSA’s Chattanooga U.S. Courthouse webpage.

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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing approximately 360 million rentable square feet, overseeing over $126 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivering technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology. To address nearly $50 billion in delinquent maintenance, GSA is leading a coalition of every cabinet agency and many federal leaders urgently advocating for full Federal Buildings Fund access and raising the prospectus threshold from $4.109 million to $75 million. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow @USGSA.