February 13, 2026

GSA Unveils Freedom 250 Cornerstone at Huntsville U.S. Courthouse Dedication

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the unveiling of the inaugural Freedom 250 commemorative cornerstone at the Huntsville U.S. Courthouse, in honor of the Nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst unveiled the stone as part of the courthouse dedication ceremony, marking the completion of a modern, secure facility designed to support the long-term operational needs of the federal judiciary and court-related agencies in northern Alabama. 

“For two and a half centuries, America has led the fight for freedom. Today, by dedicating this cornerstone, we strengthen a legacy rooted in justice. I’m proud of GSA for building a structure that does more than house our courts; it stands as a testament to the spirit of our people and our enduring commitment to the rule of law,” said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. “I thank President Trump for his leadership in making this day possible, and I commend everyone whose hard work brought us to this moment.”

“What an incredible way to honor America’s 250th birthday and advance President Trump’s vision of Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again. The new Huntsville U.S. Courthouse is emblematic of great American design—past and future—and underscores the importance of investing in timeless, classical architecture, particularly that serves our nation’s citizens,” said Senator Katie Britt. “Together, this courthouse and Freedom 250 inaugural cornerstone represent our deep commitment to justice, the rule of law, and architecture that embodies the strength and dignity of our republic.”

The unveiling ceremony recognized the strong partnership among GSA, project partners, and community stakeholders throughout the planning, design, and construction process.  

“This courthouse strengthens access to justice for the people of North Alabama,” said Judge Liles C. Burke, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. “The Freedom 250 plaque honors the democratic principles that guide our work every day.”   

Funded by Congress during President Trump’s first term, the 123,000 square-foot courthouse serves the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama and the Bankruptcy Court of Northern Alabama. The facility includes five courtrooms, six judges’ chambers, and space for other court-related offices from the Judiciary and U.S. Department of Justice.

The new three-story facility provides efficient, functional, and secure space while incorporating resilient design features to support long-term federal operations. The project represents a significant federal investment in Huntsville and the surrounding region, supporting job creation, economic activity, and long-term civic infrastructure.

In February 2022, GSA awarded the project’s Art-in-Architecture commission to artist Caleb O’Connor. In addition the project supported the relocation of a Works Progress Administration mural by Xavier Gonzalez from the former courthouse to the new facility, reflecting GSA’s commitment to integrating public art and preserving historic assets.

Following completion of the new courthouse, the historic former federal courthouse in Huntsville was conveyed to the city in March 2025, and judicial functions were consolidated, improving operational efficiency and reducing long-term leasing costs.

GSA will be incorporating Freedom 250 commemorative cornerstones in all major construction projects during the anniversary year.

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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $116 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.