The building is also known as United States Post Office and Courthouse—Montgomery and listed under that name on the National Register of Historic Places.

The United States Congress authorized funding for a new building in 1930, and the government purchased a lot containing the Court Street Methodist Church for $114,000 in 1931.

Lockwood had completed a number of important projects in Montgomery, including the wings of the Alabama State Capitol and the Carnegie Library.

The cornerstone was laid in a Masonic service on July 16, 1932, and the building, which included a post office, was completed and occupied the following year.

Over time, the remaining tenants required additional space and an annex designed by Barganier Davis Sims Architects Associated, a Montgomery firm, was completed in 2002.

[2] The building is located on a parcel of land bounded by Lee, Court, Clayton, Catoma, and Church streets, and the historic Montgomery Bus Station, where a mob attacked the Freedom Riders in 1961.

The rising terrain and trapezoidal block give the building a dramatic and commanding site that is intensified by dignified and impressive architecture.

The building's design conveys the dignity and stability of the federal government, which was particularly important during the Great Depression.

Characteristics of the style include the rusticated first story, arched openings, tile roof, and columns and pilasters.

Walls are clad in Briar Hill, Ohio, sandstone, and ceilings are coffered plaster with gold leaf.

Other original interior spaces include elevator lobbies, judges' chambers, and the district law library.