Directly across the street from the Northern Trust Building is Milwaukee's Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. The building, which was completed in 1899 by architect Willoughby J. Edbrooke, originally housed several federal govenment entities including the U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Customs and the U.S. Courts. Today, only the U.S. District Courts remain in the building.

The five-story structure is an excellent example of 19th century architect Henry Hobson Richardson's Romanesque Revival style, which was emulated at federal buildings throughout the United States. The imposing structure features heavy Roman arches, walls of dark and light gray Mount Waldo granite and a soaring tower at its center. The structure fills an entire city block, with additions made in 1932 and 1940.


The Interior spaces on the first through fifth floors are arranged around a central atrium topped by an iron-and-glass skylight. Throughout the building's interior are multi-colored marble mosaics, oak paneling and decorative plaster ceilings.

This beautiful building was painstakingly restored after a 7-year effort which began in 1989. The work brought the building back to it's original condition and included extensive research to determine original paint colors and decorative patterns for the walls and ceilings.

The building is an active U.S. Courthouse, so it is open to the public during normal operating hours. You will need to go through a metal dectector to enter. Remember, since this is an active U.S. Courthouse, photography of any kind is not allowed! However, it's worth your time to see the building's grand interior atrium.

When done at the Federal Building, walk west to the end of the block and stop at Jefferson Street.