Shelby Helps Celebrate U.S. Courthouse in Downtown Ceremony

It’s been two decades in the making, but the long-awaited new federal courthouse is finally moving forward.

Senator Richard Shelby, who is finishing his sixth term in office before retiring, continued a “victory lap” in Huntsville as the keynote speaker during a groundbreaking ceremony for the U.S. Northern District Courthouse in downtown.

The appearance was his second in the city Monday morning of September 19. Earlier that day, he gave his annual Washington Update during a breakfast at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

Both events were sponsored by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.

“Between Lynwood Smith and (the late Herman) “Buck’’ Watson, for years these two men worried me to death about this courthouse,’’ Shelby said. “And they didn’t give up. When one would call me, the other would be on the phone (later) to see what I promised.’’

For years, all Shelby could say for certain was that the land at the intersection of Gallatin Street and Lowe Avenue would be purchased. The land was bought 20 years ago, and this week a celebration was held after years of lobbying on behalf of the state’s most case-loaded court for a new facility.

Though Monday was the groundbreaking, construction actually began in April. Completion of the project, estimated to cost around $100 million, is scheduled for completion in summer-to-late 2024.

The ceremony was the continuation of a coronation for Shelby that began with the earlier breakfast. Local politicians feted the long-time Washington, D.C. stalwart, who first went to the nation’s capital as a state representative in 1978 before eventually moving to the Senate.

He has served as a Congressman for a total of 44 years and is in the final months of his 36th year as Senator.

“When we open in late 2024, the beautiful landmark on the hill above us will stand for many generations as a legacy of Senator Shelby and his foresight and unequal service to our state and nation,’’ said Smith, a Senior District Judge.

Smith also acknowledged Huntsville Mayor Battle and his administration for their role in getting the project off the ground. 

“I want to personally thank Mayor Battle and his very competent staff for their focus, commitment and assistance with this project,’’ Smith said.

Battle stressed the importance of adding a modern courthouse.

“This is a need for our downtown area, it’s a need for North Alabama, it’s a need for the nation and that is one of the things Richard Shelby has brought to us time and time again,’’ he said. “If there was a need for the nation, Richard Shelby would step up and Richard Shelby would come in and say, ‘Where in Alabama do you want to put that?’ 

“A need for this nation is a federal courthouse. A federal courthouse will give us a chance to make sure we have justice throughout this area, but it also gives us a chance to have a facility that reflects what this city is, what this state is, what this country is.’’

Battle said Smith and District Judge Liles C. Burke were both instrumental in making the dream a reality.

“They’ve been on point all along,’’ Battle said.

Deputy Commissioner Allison Azevedo represented the federal General Services Administration.

“I read about the great plans going on in this community,’’ she said, “but now I get to see it for myself.’’ 

The courthouse will have five courtrooms, six judges’ chambers and office space for other federal agencies.

Shelby added that Huntsville’s growth made the new courthouse necessary. He recounted a story about a couple from New Jersey in Washington that told him they were moving to Huntsville.

“Huntsville is a great city – it’s going to grow more,’’ Shelby said. “They’re coming from everywhere. You’re going to see more of this. So you needed this courthouse.’’