The courthouse tower was named in honor of United States district judge Dan M. Russell Jr. (b.

[2] The complex includes the 8-story Dan M. Russell Courthouse and the adjacent 1923 Gulfport High School that was renovated to serve as judicial offices.

To enhance natural lighting within the building, the outer wall for the upper six floors of the south facade was constructed of "faceted curtain-wall window bays".

[2] The third and fourth floors of the tower were designed for offices to accommodate the United States Marshals Service and the clerk of the district court.

On floors 5 through 8, the building design included jury rooms, chambers for judges, and 8 courtrooms:[2] As part of the courthouse complex, the adjacent 1923 Gulfport High School building was renovated for use by the U. S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi and federal probation services.