State and local officials cut the ribbon on the new federal courthouse on Friday.
“It’s about time, don’t you think?” remarked Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams in front of a crowd of dignitaries.
Williams was referencing the new federal Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse on N. 6th Street in Harrisburg, which cut the ribbon on Friday after decades of planning.
State and local officials, judges and those involved in the courthouse project filled the bright, sunlit lobby of the 243,000-square-foot building to celebrate its near completion.
“It’s great to see this finally come to life,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “This new courthouse is going to be a center for justice and democracy.”
The journey to find a new location for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania began in the 1990s. The current federal courthouse, located in downtown Harrisburg, was deemed too small and not secure enough, unable to meet federal requirements.
Lengthy site selection and funding processes ensued, and the location at N. 6th and Reily streets was chosen in 2010. The first funds for the $200 million building came in 2004, with the remainder flooding in around 2018. The project ceremonially broke ground in June 2018.
The Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse on N. 6th and Reily streets in Harrisburg.
Much of the courthouse construction is finished, though officials expect substantial completion this winter, in early 2023. Court personnel are expected to move into the building in the spring.
The building is designed with a horizontally oriented first floor or “podium” and a vertically extending “tower.” There are eight courtrooms and 11 chambers, and the building will house the Pennsylvania 3rd Circuit Court, U.S. Courts, U.S. Marshal Service, U.S. Attorneys, U.S. Trustees, Homeland Security and Federal Public Defender.
During a media tour of the building, officials highlighted the importance of making the space welcoming, safe and efficient.
A community-focused design was a goal for the building. Architects from New York-based Ennead Architects pointed out the abundant natural light coming from large windows, designed to help boost productivity and provide sweeping views of the city.
The ribbon cutting ceremony took place in the lobby of the federal courthouse on Friday.
The building’s courtrooms feature increased seating for attorneys and the public, and again, lots of natural light.
“I’ve never seen courtrooms designed with this innovation,” said Magistrate Judge Martin Carlson. “I’ve been in a lot of courtrooms, but this is unique.”
A courtroom inside the building
Architects explained how much Harrisburg inspired their design—from the green tiles in the elevator that match the state Capitol dome to the long and slim first-floor lobby, reflective of the Broad Street Market.
“It needs to represent the place that it’s in,” explained architect Brian Masuda.
As part of GSA’s “Art in Architecture” program, two art installations are featured in the courthouse. Bright pinks, blues and greens, inspired by the Susquehanna River, sweep across a wall in the building’s lobby in Monique van Genderen’s mural, “I Thought of You…The People’s Painting.” Additionally, on each floor of the tower is a painting in a series entitled “Trees and Vines,” by Claire Sherman.
Mural by artist Monique van Genderenin the lobby of the courthouse
The design strives to improve aesthetics and safety. According to General Services Administration (GSA) Project Executive Abby Low, the building design features separate pathways that allow judges, prisoners and the public exclusive circulation. This security aspect is lacking in the current federal building, she explained.
Sustainability is another focus of the courthouse as it includes a green roof, rainwater collection and other green elements.
On the front of the building is the name Sylvia H. Rambo, who the courthouse is named for. Rambo is one of only three living female judges to have a courthouse named after her. She was nominated to the federal bench in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter and served as chief judge from 1992 to 1999.
Judge Sylvia Rambo speaks at the ribbon cutting
“The new courthouse aims to build upon Midtown Harrisburg’s history and sense of community,” Rambo said during the ribbon cutting. “The building and its surrounding landscape will be a civic icon. The courthouse is a powerful symbol of justice and equality.”
Mascaro Construction Company and Hill International provided construction and contracting services for the project. According to project officials, local contractors made up 64% of subcontracting services.
With its location in Harrisburg, officials stressed the potential impact that the new courthouse will likely have on the city. After years of planning, delays and construction, the building is finally close to reaching completion.
“This space was an eyesore, a vacant parking lot, now transformation and redevelopment of this area is underway,” Williams said. “The possibilities are endless, and it starts here today.”
The Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse is located at 1501 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.
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