Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, Port Huron

526 Water Street
Port Huron, MI 48060
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Constructed in 1877, the Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Port Huron, Michigan, is the oldest building in GSA’s Great Lakes Region portfolio. The award-winning U.S. Courthouse is located in downtown Port Huron on Water Street between Sixth Street and Huron Avenue, a short drive from I-94 and I-96 and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and marinas.

Property manager: Steve Ernest

Public hours: 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (except federal holidays)

For more building information or service calls, use service desk contact on this page. For other federal government information, call toll-free 1-844-USA-GOV1.

Public access

The main entrance is on Water Street, but an accessible ramp is also available on the east side of the building. Before entering the building, all visitors must submit to security screening and present a valid identity card (typically a state driver’s license or federal ID; see Real ID for more info). Cell phones, cameras and recording devices are prohibited.

Public parking and transportation

Metered parking is available on the public side street west of the courthouse and at nearby surface lots. Blue Water Area Transit serves Port Huron and has routes close to the courthouse.

Building amenities

The Blue Water Federal Credit Union is located on the first floor. Hours of operation are 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Friday.

Building awards

The Port Huron U.S. Courthouse is ENERGY STAR® certified and a Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Outstanding Building of the Year award winner in the 100,000-Square-Foot-and-Under category for overall building and management quality.

History and architectural features

Designed by Alfred B. Mullett, best known for designing the San Francisco Mint, this 44,400-square-foot facility was constructed at an original cost of $200,000 to house the U.S. Post Office, Customs and Courts. Its unique features include an octagonal cupola and simplified Corinthian capitals characteristic of the Renaissance and Greek Revival styles. It originally featured gas chandeliers and 17 Vermont red-marble fireplaces.

In 2008 the lobby of this historic building was restored to its original grandeur. The renovation included uncovering the 17-foot ornamental plaster ceiling, recreating the mahogany postal wall, installing historically accurate doors and pendant light fixtures, and restoring wood window frames.

Other recent improvements include upgrading the heating and ventilation system, replacing the boiler system, installing energy management controls and a new fire alarm system, restoring the third floor public corridor and the exterior masonry to its original sandstone facade, and construction of additional U.S. District Court jury rooms and assembly space.