Chicago Federal Center, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, is a monument to the architect’s maxim, “Less is more.” Simplified, modern and efficient, the steel and glass buildings embody the Miesian vocabulary. Its 1974 completion signified a new era in the form and function of public architecture.
1964: U.S. Courthouse completed; 1973: U.S. Post Office Loop Station completed at Federal Center's northwest corner; 1974: Federal Building completed; Flamingo stabile by Alexander Calder installed in plaza. 1993-1999: Additional two-story courtrooms constructed within the original structure of Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. 2002: Installation of perimeter-security bollard system in response to increased security requirements for federal properties;
2006. Photo by Carol Highsmith, 2017.