William O. Douglas Federal Building, Federal courthouse in Yakima, United States.

The William O. Douglas Federal Building is a three-story courthouse constructed of granite and limestone, featuring symmetrical wings and a central pavilion with large round-arched windows at street level. The structure continues to house federal courts while maintaining its architectural integrity from the early 1900s.

Yakima's first post office opened in 1885; by 1910 federal officials chose a site for a combined post office and courthouse, completed in June 1912 to James Knox Taylor's design. Postmaster W.L. Lemon hosted an open house, and the first court case was tried that July. A 1926 annex was replaced in 1940 by Louis A. Simon's three-story wings and rear addition; a 1987 brick infill followed.

The building was renamed by Congress in 1978 for William O. Douglas, who grew up in Yakima and sat on the Supreme Court from 1939 to 1975. His 36-plus years on the bench make him the longest-serving justice in the court's history. The post office that first occupied the ground floor is gone, but its round-arched oak-framed windows and bronze lock boxes with Greek key patterns remain in the lobby.

The main entrance at 25 South 3rd Street is easily accessible, and the building functions as an active federal courthouse open to the public during business hours. Note that as a working judicial facility, access to certain interior areas may be restricted depending on court activities.

The second floor courtroom preserves original oak panel doors and decorative plaster molding from the building's original construction. These details showcase the craftsmanship typical of early 20th century federal buildings that is rarely seen in newer structures.