Constructed in 1875, the 48,000-sf federal courthouse is one of the oldest courthouses west of the Mississippi River. In addition to renovation work and the seismic retrofit, the unreinforced masonry building is also in need of fire, safety and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades.

SERA Architects of Portland is acting as project manager and the design firm. Also on the job are PAE Consulting Engineers (mechanical), Lerch Bates (ADA elevator upgrades), PBS Environmental (lead paint and asbestos abatement assessment), KIOKA Group (estimating), Herrera Environmental Consultants and Forell/Elsesser Engineers.

It is undecided whether the post office will remain in the building or become a library for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges that are housed in the building. Construction on the site is expected to begin in the fall 2002.