Doesn’t this seem like more than just a courthouse? The William Kenzo Nakamura US Courthouse stands as a powerful symbol of both justice and sacrifice.
Completed in 1940, the William Kenzo Nakamura US Courthouse was Seattle’s first single-purpose federal courthouse. Before its construction, federal agencies were scattered across the city. The FBI, Secret Service, and even the Alcohol Tax Unit now had a central home. Naturalization ceremonies also took place here. Imagine immigrants taking their oaths in this very building.
Gilbert Stanley Underwood, a master architect, designed this Art Deco masterpiece. He also designed numerous Union Pacific railroad stations. Louis A. Simon, Supervising Architect of the Treasury, also influenced the design. He incorporated modern elements he studied in Europe.
Notice the building’s Neoclassical style. The east-facing facade resembles an abstracted temple colonnade. The William Kenzo Nakamura US Courthouse has a reinforced concrete frame clad in terracotta. Look for the Art Deco accents. They add a touch of elegance to the structure.
Consider the large lawn surrounding the William Kenzo Nakamura US Courthouse. It’s a significant green space in downtown Seattle. The walkway, planters, and oak trees create a formal and inviting atmosphere.
Inside the William Kenzo Nakamura US Courthouse, vibrant colors and ornamentation await. The public spaces feature salmon, turquoise, and mustard terracotta panels. The floors boast starburst-patterned terrazzo. The courtrooms have fifteen-foot windows and walnut columns.
The William Kenzo Nakamura US Courthouse was renovated in 1983-1984 and again from 2006 to 2009. The latter renovation earned LEED certification. This reflects a commitment to sustainability.
But there’s more to the William Kenzo Nakamura US Courthouse than architecture. In 2001, it was renamed to honor William Kenzo Nakamura. He was a Seattle native and a Medal of Honor recipient. Before his military service, Nakamura and his family were sent to an internment camp. Despite this injustice, he served with distinction. He died heroically in Italy during World War II. He singlehandedly protected his platoon.
William Kenzo Nakamura’s story is one of courage and resilience. Renaming this courthouse in his honor was a fitting tribute. The William Kenzo Nakamura US Courthouse embodies democratic ideals. It represents the authority and stability of the federal government. It also reminds us of the sacrifices made to defend those ideals.