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For public inquiries or to be added to the public project update distribution list, please contact Tomochichi_Updates@gsa.gov.
We worked with the construction contractor to develop a revised schedule as a result of the partial floor collapse that occurred in April 2023.
Refer to the “Current Renovation Project” section below for more schedule and project details.
The Tomochichi Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Savannah (originally constructed as the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse) is located on a prominent site within the city’s National Historic Landmark District. The building occupies an entire city block bounded by Bull, York, Whitaker, and State Streets, adjacent to Wright Square.
The Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse was built primarily to house the Savannah post office, which was previously located in the U.S. Custom House. In 1894, excavations began at this site which itself was notable in Savannah’s history as the former location of a courthouse where John Wesley, founder of Methodism, preached in 1736 and 1737.
Designed in the Second Renaissance Revival style, the original portion of the building is constructed entirely of white Georgia marble, and features the typical Italianate tripartite facade divisions characteristic of the style.
By July 30, 1899, all departments of the post office were in the new government building. It also housed the U.S. Courts, the U.S. Engineers, and the U.S. Weather Bureau. The building was enlarged between 1930 and 1932, when it was extended north to encompass the remainder of the block. Today, the building serves as offices for the U.S. District Court and Court-related functions.
In 2005, Congress renamed the federal courthouse after Yamacraw Indian Chief Tomochichi. According to House Report 2523, “Tomochichi was born around the year 1650 into the Creek Indian tribe town of Coweta. He was raised as a Creek warrior, and became well respected within his village for his good judgment and wisdom. Even at a young age, he was consulted on various matters of politics and law. In 1728, he established the town of Yamacraw located on the Savannah River. In 1733, Tomochichi encountered English settlers led by General James Edward Oglethorpe, who arrived at what was to become the new colony of Georgia. Tomochichi befriended Oglethorpe and assisted him in not only the creation of a new English colony to be named Savannah, but also in the colony’s relations with neighboring Creek tribes. In 1734, Tomochichi accompanied Oglethorpe to England to approve a treaty between the Creek Nation and the English. The friendship between Tomochichi and Oglethorpe aided in the peaceful coexistence between the Creek and the English during the period prior to the founding of the United States. Tomochichi died in 1739, and was buried in what is now known as Wright Square in Savannah, Georgia.”
In 2016, Congress appropriated funds for modernizing the historic Tomochichi Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Savannah, Georgia, to meet the U.S. Judiciary’s current and long-term needs for security, accessibility and operational efficiency.
Construction began in Fall 2021. On April 11, 2023, a section of the 3rd Floor collapsed. The stabilization and debris removal related to the floor collapse was completed in October 2023. The original scope of the renovation project also resumed in October 2023. Tower work resumed in November 2023. Rebuilding the damaged structure began in January 2024.
We worked with the construction contractor to develop a revised schedule as a result of the partial floor collapse that occurred in April 2023.
Cathy Rineer-Garber
Public Affairs Officer
cathleen.garber@gsa.gov
404-314-8540
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U.S. General Services Administration