Federal Building and United States Courthouse

The Federal Building and United States Courthouse is a judicial facility in Sioux Falls featuring rose-colored quartzite walls and Romanesque elements such as wide arches and rough-hewn stone finishes. The structure occupies an entire city block at the intersection of Phillips Avenue and 12th Street.

The courthouse was constructed between 1892 and 1895 as a symbol of federal authority during westward expansion of the nation. Senator Richard Pettigrew advocated for incorporating materials sourced from the surrounding region.

The building anchors the courthouse district and serves as a gathering point for lawyers and visitors passing through the area. Its distinctive rose-colored exterior has become a visual landmark that shapes downtown Sioux Falls.

The building sits in downtown Sioux Falls along Phillips Avenue and is easy to reach on foot. Keep in mind this is an active court, so there may be restrictions on what areas you can enter as a visitor.

The structure underwent two major expansions in 1911 and 1931, adding a third floor and rear wing while maintaining the original Romanesque design. These growth phases reveal how the building adapted to meet growing judicial demands over time.