Strom Thurmond Federal Building

COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES · 1979

Strom Thurmond Federal Building and United States Courthouse

A monolithic Brutalist complex by Marcel Breuer, pairing a concrete office tower with a long, low courthouse on Assembly Street.

At a glance

This federal building at 1835-1845 Assembly Street in Columbia, South Carolina, was designed by Marcel Breuer and completed in 1979. For twenty-five years it served as a courthouse of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. It is named for long-time Senator Strom Thurmond.

History

The building was completed in 1979. It served for twenty-five years as a courthouse of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. The building is named for Strom Thurmond, a long-time senator from the state.

What you see

The complex is Brutalist, made of concrete, granite, and glass. A monolithic office tower stands paired with a long, low courthouse. Repetitive recessed windows with protruding hoods pattern the facades. A landscaped plaza completes the grounds.

Cultural significance

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Key facts

Country: United States
City: Columbia, South Carolina
Coordinates: 34.0092, -81.0403
Architect: Marcel Breuer
Completed: 1979

Practical information & getting there

The building is at 1835-1845 Assembly Street in Columbia. Consult current federal building access policies before visiting.

Sources & resources

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