Controversy once surrounded this very spot. The Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse stands tall. It is a vital part of downtown Los Angeles. This building houses the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
The Edward R. Roybal Federal Building is located on Temple Street. It is near the Federal Building at 300 N. Los Angeles Street. Welton Becket designed that earlier building.
Completed in January 1992, this building honors Edward R. Roybal. He was a long-serving United States Congressman. The Edward R. Roybal Federal Building gained notoriety in 1993. The federal trial of four LAPD officers took place here. They were charged in the Rodney King video beating. This trial occurred after their acquittals in state court.
Before the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building opened, there was a dispute. A nude statue by Tom Otterness was removed. Roybal felt it was unsuitable for a federal building. He thought it was more appropriate for a museum.
RPM Team enhanced the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building’s security. They provided structural design for the project. New mechanical vehicle barriers ensure the courthouse’s safety.
If you’re driving here, there are a few options. Approaching Downtown on the Northbound 101 Freeway, exit on Alameda Street and turn left. The Edward R. Roybal Federal Building is on your right. It’s next to the Metropolitan Detention Center. It is behind the Federal Building & Post Office. You can enter from Temple Street or Alameda Street.
Coming south on the 101 Freeway, exit on Alameda Street and turn right. Then, turn left at the first stop light onto Alameda Street. The Edward R. Roybal Federal Building will be on your right.
Parking is available. One-hour metered parking is on Temple Street and San Pedro Street. It’s available from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are also parking lots and a structure on Commercial Street. These are south of Alameda Street. They are about two to three blocks from the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building.
Note that certain items are not allowed inside. Weapons like firearms and knives are prohibited. Non-lethal devices such as tasers are also banned. Leave these items in your car or at home.
The Edward R. Roybal Federal Building operates on specific hours. Business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This excludes court-observed holidays. Building hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, also excluding holidays.
The Edward R. Roybal Federal Building stands as a testament to justice. Its history is filled with important events. It remains a significant landmark in Los Angeles.