Saint Paul’s Courthouse Reopens

After three years, federal employees returned to work on Monday at the newly renovated Warren E. Burger Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse.  Among the renovations made to the building located at 316 N. Robert Street are the addition of four new courtrooms, a brighter public lobby, and state-of-the art security enhancements.  The improvements are intended to make the building more accessible to the public and update security to 21st century standards, all the while preserving the elegance of the courtrooms and the building.  The renovation project cost $70 million.

Inside, the interior lobby is airy and filled with natural light. Some courtrooms are brand new, others refurbished.  In all, the building now has 10 district courtrooms and about 180 employees.  The rich furnishings and stately appearance of the older courtrooms have been saved.  

A public ceremony will be held October 2 to rededicate the building.

The federal building was named after Burger, who grew up in Saint Paul neighborhoods and was chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1969 to 1986.