Federal Courthouse in Flagstaff

Located in Flagstaff, AZ

For many residents in northeastern Arizona, accessing the federal justice system has meant traveling hundreds of miles—often to Phoenix. This distance places a significant burden on victims’ families, jurors, and defendants, particularly those from the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. The region needed a secure, accessible courthouse that reflects the community it serves and meets rigorous federal standards.

Shive-Hattery was selected to design a new 50,777-square-foot, three-story federal courthouse in Flagstaff, Arizona. Located along historic Route 66, the facility is designed to meet Level III security requirements and incorporates Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. The steel-framed, natural stone-clad structure includes secure underground parking for judges and U.S. Marshals, a sallyport for secure prisoner transport, and separate circulation paths to maintain safety and confidentiality.

The courthouse is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification and Net Zero Energy performance, aligning with the community’s sustainability goals. The design integrates local flagstone and preserves the forested site, creating a secure and contextually grounded facility.

This new courthouse brings justice closer to home for thousands of residents in Coconino County and surrounding tribal lands. The facility supports a more equitable justice system by reducing travel distances and improving access to federal court services. The project also represents a significant regional investment, with an estimated construction cost of $50 million and design fees of $2.4 million. Construction is expected to begin in Fall 2024.