LA’s $340M futuristic new courthouse awaits federal judges

Dozens of federal judges and their 100 staff members have begun their arduous move into the “Cube,” the freshly complete $340 million courthouse at the corner North Broadway and First Street.

The 10-story modern structure, designed by architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and built by Clark Construction, spans 633,000 square feet and required more than 41,500 cubic yards of concrete. The building’s exterior is almost wholly tempered glass, and underneath, 4,300 tons of steel serve as the foundation.

It houses 24 courtrooms and 32 judges’ chambers.

Although the building is ready for move-in, the transition itself will not be complete until mid-November, the Los Angeles Business Journal reported. The process will involve installing security systems, relocating case files and fine-tuning logistics to ensure that court services will run smoothly despite the move.

The move is being handled by Pomona-based Serna’s Relocation Systems.

Not all of the judges will end up at the Cube. Some will be move to the Roybal Federal Building, which will receive its own $19 million transformation come November.

The move was a long time coming. Judges have been discussing the need for a new courthouse in the mid-1990s. [LABJ] — Cathaleen Chen