The building is named after James A. Byrne, a former Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Construction on the building, which overlooks Independence National Park, began in 1970.

[4][5] Under the leadership of former Chief Third Circuit Judge Edward R. Becker, the main entrance and ground floor lobby were redesigned in 2004 to be more inviting and educational to the general public.

After his death in 2006, the lobby, which features quotations on the importance of the right to jury trial, was dedicated to and named for Judge Becker.

It shares mechanical systems and an underground garage with the Green Building.