Walter H. Rice Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, Dayton
200 W. 2nd St.
Dayton, OH 45402
View map
The Walter H. Rice Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, located in the city’s central business district, is home to the U.S. District Court and approximately 235 federal employees. The building is named for Walter Herbert Rice, a current federal judge who has served on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio since 1980.
Property Manager: Karen Beaty
Public Hours: 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (except federal holidays).
For more building information or service calls, use contact above. For other federal government information, call toll-free 1-844-USA-GOV1.
Public Access
All visitors must undergo security screening and present a valid identity card (such as a state driver’s license or federal ID) before gaining access to the building.
Parking and Public Transportation
The courthouse has a GSA-owned surface lot adjacent to the building. A public transportation system connects the surrounding communities to the central business district. For schedule, route, and fare information, visit Greater Dayton RTA.
Conference Rooms & Amenities
The courthouse features two conference rooms with capacities of 30 and 75 people. For reservations, use the contact info elsewhere on this page. Other building amenities include a medical clinic on the second floor and a snack bar and lounge on the third floor.
Key Tenants
The courthouse is primarily occupied by the U.S. District Court and supporting agencies, as well as the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration.
Sustainability
The Dayton Courthouse uses many sustainable practices. For Fiscal Year 2015, the building reduced energy use by 32% and water use by 29% (vs. FY2009 baselines) while diverting 63% of its waste from landfills. Tenants participate in GSA’s quarterly recycling drives, and the building’s service contractors use green cleaning products and other new methods for reducing water and energy use.
History and Architectural Features
The courthouse was constructed in 1975 by Messer & Sons Construction Company as a nine-story, rectangular building with indentations in each wall and an overhang created by the three upper floors. The exterior features dark brown, ribbed, precast panels; thermal pane mirror glass; and stainless steel trim. The Walter H. Rice Federal Building and United States Courthouse is listed in the National Register as a contributing resource to the National Register Downtown Dayton Historic District.
Art in Architecture
Learn more about our fine art.