FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.—The new federal courthouse project in Fort Lauderdale, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is currently progressing and is scheduled for completion by fall 2026. Brasfield & Gorrie is leading the construction on the project.
Located at 1080 SE Third Ave., the facility will comprise approximately 255,000 square feet, featuring 12 courtrooms and 17 judges’ chambers. The project has total authorized funding of $245 million, with initial appropriations in 2018 and additional funding secured in 2023.
The design process started in March 2023 and limited construction kicked off in January 2024, primarily focused on site preparation and installing necessary infrastructure such as a seawall, which is crucial for protecting against flooding from the nearby Tarpon River. Full construction is projected to wrap by fall 2026
The new courthouse is anticipated to bolster the federal court infrastructure in Broward County while also serving as a catalyst for local development. Mayor Dean Trantalis has indicated that the project illustrates significant growth for the area, with the potential to boost surrounding real estate values and spur new commercial developments. Local officials and community members are reportedly enthusiastic about the courthouse’s possible impact on the neighborhood as well as its role in improving the efficiency of federal legal services.
The new courthouse will be set along the southern banks of the Tarpon River, and is designed to foster a civic presence that is both striking and welcoming. Its symmetrical cubic form rises up to bring majestic classical architecture to mind, and the facility will be fronted by a single-story shaded colonnade aiming to instill a hospitable arrival atmosphere. Accessible green spaces—highlighted by a riverfront trail retaining existing mangroves—will encircle the new beacon of justice.
Ample natural light is emphasized throughout the design, including a sophisticated system of reflected natural light that even reaches interior courtrooms. Natural materials such as oak and local coral help add a warm and biophilic touch to the setting. The building is designed to obtain both LEED Gold and SITES Silver certification—and is projected to achieve a 30 percent reduction in energy use over the ASHRAE baseline due to its advanced building systems and design elements that reduce energy use.
