Sidney M. Aronovitz United States Courthouse

In October 2009, President Barack Obama signed into a law a bill introduced by Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to rename the building for former longtime District Court judge Sidney M. Aronovitz, a third-generation Key West native.

The Act specified that the office of the Supervising Architect of the Department of the Treasury would be responsible for the design and construction of all public buildings.

Algernon Blair of Montgomery, Alabama was general contractor; Charles M. Pritchett was construction engineer.

The building was built to be the U.S. Post Office, Courthouse and Custom House for Key West.

In the center of this elevation twelve engaged pilasters with decorative terra cotta caps support an entablature.

This block is ornamented with two small fluted engaged pilasters flanking a swag-type design.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the main elevation is a pair of massive bronze-framed urn-like light fixtures.

These original fixtures are mounted on the low cheek walls which flank the main entry steps.

The former/original Custom Service seizure room is located in this area and the windows were designed to be blocked-in for security purposes.

A small limestone, original pumphouse is adjacent to the building to the north at the east elevation.

[2] The corridors and entry lobby of the U.S. Post Office, Courthouse, and Custom House in Key West have retained, in spite of some changes, most of the original features and finishes.

Two columns and two engaged pilasters of the Corinthian order visually divide the entry vestibule of the lobby from the corridor area.

Throughout the tenant spaces, the original tongue and groove wood plank flooring has been covered by carpet.

It also has two large rectangular cisterns containing potable water beneath the first floor, surrounded by narrow walkways.