United States Courthouse
- Architect
- James A. Wetmore
- Style
- Neoclassical
- City
- Des Moines, IA
- Collection
- neoclassical
The United States Courthouse serves as headquarters for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. Discussions about a riverfront federal courthouse began in 1902, funds were allocated in 1913, and after delays over land acquisition, property was finally purchased in 1926. It was designed and built under the direction of James A. Wetmore of the Office of the Supervising Architect, and it anchors the Civic Center Historic District along the Des Moines River, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
the building
A long road to the riverfront. The riverfront site was favored as early as 1902, but construction waited decades: funds were allocated in 1913, property was first purchased in 1918, and more land was acquired in 1926 before building could proceed.
Part of a Civic Center district. The courthouse joins other buildings flanking the Des Moines River in a Civic Center district, their placement reflecting the City Beautiful Movement's ideals for grouping monumental public buildings.
the style
The courthouse presents a monumental Neoclassical facade, in keeping with the Civic Center Historic District's City Beautiful Movement ambitions for the riverfront.
More on Neoclassicalthe architect
James A. Wetmore directed the building's design and construction through the federal Office of the Supervising Architect, which produced numerous government buildings across the country during this period.
significance
The courthouse is a contributing property to the Civic Center Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, and continues to serve as the Southern District of Iowa's federal court headquarters.
nearby
- Des Moines City Hall
- Public Library of Des Moines
- United States Post Office
- Hotel Kirkwood (Des Moines)
- Homestead Building
- Hawkeye Insurance Company Building