James A. Walsh United States Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
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James A. Walsh U.S. Courthouse, June 2003
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 Location in Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Location | 55 E. Broadway, Tucson, Arizona |
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| Area | 0.6 acres (0.24 ha) |
| Built | 1928 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 83002995 |
| Added to NRHP | February 10, 1983 |
The James A. Walsh United States Courthouse is a really old and important building in Tucson, Arizona. It used to be called the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse. This building has served as both a post office and a courthouse for many years. It was once home to the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.
Contents
Building's Story: From Idea to Reality
Planning a New Building
The idea for this building started way back in 1910. That's when the U.S. House of Representatives decided to buy land for a new post office in Tucson. This was also around the time Arizona was becoming a state. Even though Arizona became a state in 1912, it took another 20 years for the building to be built!
Delays and Donations
The government was slow to act, so the city of Tucson bought the land itself. They then gave the property to the federal government. More delays happened because Congress stopped new building projects for a while. This was due to some problems with how building contracts were being given out.
During this time, the land was leased out. A gas station and other businesses were on the spot where the courthouse stands today. Finally, in 1926, Congress allowed construction to start again. Money for the building's design and construction was approved in 1928.
Construction and Renaming
The building was designed in 1928-1929 by a government office. It was built very quickly between 1929 and 1930. It was supposed to be finished in December 1930, but it opened early on September 19, 1930!
The post office stayed in the building until 1974. In 1983, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1985, it was renamed to honor James Augustine Walsh. He was a federal judge who worked there from 1952 to 1981. For 18 years, he was the only judge in the Tucson court!
New Courts and Renovations
The U.S. District Court moved out of the Walsh Courthouse in 2000. They moved into a new building called the Evo A. DeConcini Courthouse. In 2002, the Walsh Courthouse started a big renovation project. This was to make space for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
The Bankruptcy Court moved in after the first part of the project was done. They stayed in the building while the second part of the renovation finished in 2008.
Building's Look: Style and Design
Neoclassical Style
The James A. Walsh Courthouse is a great example of the Neoclassical style. This style is known for being balanced and grand. It often uses smooth stone surfaces and big, impressive shapes. The government liked this style for many federal buildings built at that time.
The building was designed in 1928-1929. It has a Neoclassical design but also features a Mission-style roof. This roof helps the building fit in with the local building traditions in Arizona.
Outside Details
The front of the building, facing south, is the most decorated part. It's covered in a special material called terracotta. This is a type of baked clay. You can see the words "United States Court House" above the lower columns. There are also cool eagle designs above the fourth-floor windows.
The building has two main entry doors on the front. They both have a classic design with a flat top. The other sides of the building are simpler. The east side became more important when the main entrance was moved there during a recent renovation. The outside of the building still looks very much like it did when it was first built.
Inside Spaces
The post office used to be on the first floor until 1974. After it moved out, the post office area was changed into a courtroom. The main post office lobby became a room where juries gathered.
During the recent renovation, the main lobby was brought back to its original open design. Many original features were saved. These include the terracotta tile floor with a cool basketweave pattern. The walls, marble borders, and decorated ceilings were also kept. The old post office area is now used as an intake area for the courts.
The second, third, and fourth floors have hallways with offices and courtrooms. The most important room inside is the main courtroom. It's on the third and fourth floors. This room still has many original parts, like the wooden ceiling with stenciled patterns. The walls and wooden frames are also original. This historic courtroom was a big part of the renovation. The building is considered one of the best-preserved examples of buildings built in Tucson during the Great Depression.
Key Moments in Time
- 1929-1930: The building was constructed.
- 1970s: The Post Office moved out, and the first floor was changed.
- 1983: The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1985: The building was renamed in honor of James A. Walsh.
- 2000: The U.S. District Court moved out.
- 2002: A big renovation project began for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
- 2003: The U.S. Bankruptcy Court moved into the building.
- 2008: The renovation project was completed.
Building Facts
- Location: 38 South Scott Avenue
- Architect: James A. Wetmore
- Construction Dates: 1929-1930
- Architectural Style: Neoclassical
- Landmark Status: Listed in National Register of Historic Places
- Primary Materials: Granite, brick, and terracotta
- Prominent Features: Terracotta tiles that look like limestone; Classical front with terracotta decorations; Courtroom with a wood-beamed ceiling and cool designs.
