The U.S. General Services Administration, the federal agency which manages government buildings and infrastructure, is spearheading a $335 million project to build a new federal courthouse in downtown Hartford, Connecticut.
The courthouse will be located at 154 Allyn Street, a 2.19-acre parking lot between Union Station and the XL Center. This location was announced as the preferred site June 23 after a two-year environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Local business leaders have also voiced support for the Allyn Street location, citing its potential to revitalize downtown Hartford and attract additional federal and legal services to the area.
The new courthouse will replace the 1960s-era Abraham A. Ribicoff Federal Building, which no longer meets current standards for space, functionality or security, according to project officials. The Federal Judiciary identified construction of the new courthouse as a top national priority in 2020.
The planned 281,000‑square‑foot courthouse will feature 11 courtrooms, 18 judges’ chambers, offices for federal agencies and a two‑level underground parking garage. It is designed to house between 220 and 240 employees and is expected to become the primary headquarters for the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, shifting operations from New Haven.
Design work is scheduled to begin in mid‑2026, with construction set to start in 2027 and substantial completion targeted for 2030. GSA is currently soliciting design‑build firms and will hold an Industry Day in July 2025 to gather feedback and generate interest.
As the federal government’s real estate and procurement authority, GSA is responsible for acquiring the property, ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing the design and construction process and ensuring the new courthouse meets the long‑term needs of the federal judiciary.
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