FLASHPOINT: A new federal building for Terre Haute
Put new federal courthouse across from Vigo County courthouse
May 7, 2004

Several proposals have recently been submitted to federal officials who are searching for a new downtown location for Terre Haute's federal courthouse. Three of the suggested locations would change the face of our downtown dramatically, and in opposite ways. Since the city does not have a current comprehensive development plan, Terre Haute citizens need to consider which site makes the most sense for this project, and which downtown block should be completely demolished to make way for an elegant new courthouse building.

Federal courthouses are being rebuilt to new security standards in every region of the country. The new one envisioned for Terre Haute, in addition to being elegant, will require: a) at least one city block, so that a structure about three stories tall can have a 50-foot minimum setback from the sidewalk on all four sides, b) extensive use of trees, landscaping, fountains or benches to protect the building on all four sides, and c) no facilities for agencies other than those serving the federal courts. A 20-car parking lot is projected, and most days will see fewer than a dozen people working in the building.

Among the proposed sites, three stand out as having dramatic impacts on the face of our downtown. The first block would require demolition of two historic buildings on Wabash, including the Terminal Arcade. The second block would require demolition of four historic buildings, including the Terre Haute House. The third proposed block would require demolition of the buildings opposite our Vigo County Courthouse, including Long John Silvers at Fourth and Ohio.

This third proposed block, between Wabash and Ohio, from Third to Fourth, is the only choice that stands out as a win-win proposition for our community. Located directly east of our Vigo County Courthouse and government campus, a new federal courthouse on this block would provide a great western gateway to downtown, and would have a dignified setting among legal and financial businesses, banks, and monuments.

Besides being in downtown's legal and government hub, another noteworthy feature of the win-win block is that no buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places would be demolished to clear the site.

Our downtown's best chance at a brighter future still lies in adaptive reuse of our surviving historic buildings, and filling the gaps between them with quality new construction. Buildings surrounded by parking and landscaping can also be a welcome addition to the downtown area, but they require very careful placement. For the proposed federal courthouse, the block between Wabash and Ohio, from Third to Fourth, is clearly the best choice.

I will host a forum for all citizens to get more information about the search for a new federal courthouse site on Tuesday, May 11. The 7 p.m. forum will be at Coffee Grounds, 423 Wabash Avenue.

Todd Nation
City Councilman, 4th District
Terre Haute