Dedication ceremony in Nashville of Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building

October 27, 2022

A dedication ceremony for the new Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Nashville, Tennessee was held on Oct. 21. 

The ceremony featured several speakers including current and former U.S. Senators, U.S. District Judges, Deputy Commissioner Allison Azevedo, Chief Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr. who served as Master of ceremonies, and Historian and Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Jon Mecham who served as Dedication Speaker.

The new courthouse is named for Fred. D. Thompson. He was an attorney, actor, husband, father, and former U.S. Senator. Thompson’s daughter and son spoke at the event. They shared their gratitude that he would be remembered in such a concrete way.  “Thank you so much for honoring a man who sovereignly refused to be recognized,” said Hayden Thompson, daughter of Fred Thompson. “This incredible building is almost as big and as beautiful as he was.”

The new 276,000 gross square-foot courthouse and the federal building will provide eight courtrooms and 11 judges’ chambers. In addition to the U.S. District Court, the new facility will also provide workspace for the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services System, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, GSA, and local senatorial staff offices.

As you walk into the lobby of the courthouse and federal building you will see the ceiling is covered with glass smalti mosaic tile designed by Alyson Shotz, The Robes of Justitia. The mosaic’s illusionistic, three-dimensional imagery was inspired by the classical drapery that is depicted in mosaics, marble sculptures, frescoes, and oil paintings throughout history.

“This building represents designing for people, driving the portfolio, and delivering on performance,” said Deputy Commissioner Allison Azevedo. “ I toured the facility and talked with many of the occupants involved in the design of the facility⁠—it is efficient, effective, and beautiful.”