The Charles Evans Whittaker United States Courthouse is a landmark overlooking the Missouri River in Kansas City, Missouri. The 615,000 square-foot courthouse was completed in September of 1998 and houses 16 courtrooms, the Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge’s Chambers, U.S. Attorney’s office, U.S. Marshal’s offices, court-related agencies, extensive multimedia conferencing facilities, a cafeteria and kitchen, and enclosed secured parking for 100 vehicles. Courthouse corridors are designed with varying materials, including granite, limestone, glass, and terrazzo. Exacting craftsmanship was required to accomplish the high level of quality in working with the latest building construction trends and materials. Main public areas feature limestone wainscoting. Brass elevator doors and custom lighting adorn the elevator waiting areas. Adding to the overall ambiance of the rotunda lobby are granite columns, terrazzo floors, and a collection of five 25-foot sculptures. Located on the second floor is the 4,000-pound, 115-year-old bell, which originally hung in the north tower of the first U.S. Federal Building and Post Office in Kansas City.
