The entrance to the Tuscaloosa Federal Building and Courthouse is marked by massive Doric columns—influenced by the Greek Temple of Zeus at Nemea—made from Indiana Limestone.
The acroteria that mark the angles of each pediment use classical detailing but were designed to work in concert with the building’s brushed-aluminum roof.
Inside, the first-floor lobby is lined with Doric pilasters.
The second-floor atrium space is a generous 33 feet wide and is lined by 16 oil-painted panels by artist Caleb O’Connor, which depict major events in the region’s history.
Natural light from the clerestory windows highlights the classical detailing, much of which was hand-painted. The space is open to the public, and it looks down onto the first-floor lobby corridor.
The Ionic columns in the second-floor atrium were modeled after those found at the Erechtheion in Athens.
While the building houses tenant spaces for several federal agencies, the second floor’s eastern wing is largely filled with courtrooms.
Judges' chambers
