The federal courthouse was designed by Portland architect Morris H. Whitehouse between 1929 and 1931, and built by Murch Construction.

[2] On the exterior are Doric pilasters that adorn the symmetrical façade, along with classical triglyphs and metopes that alternate in the sandstone frieze.

[2] Materials used on the courthouse include bronze as accents, a light colored gray sandstone on the exterior, marble on the interior along with plaster and oak.

[2] These spaces use marble for trim and on the faces of the courtroom clocks, contain leather covered doors, oak cornices, and coffered ceilings.

[2] Additionally, these courtrooms contain almost full-length windows, oak shutters, Corinthian columns, and bronze lamps among other details.

[9] Plans called for the federal bankruptcy court of Oregon to move into the building along with the Internal Revenue Service after renovations.

[2] Ninety-two percent of all contract money available for labor and materials went to Portland and Seattle area firms, providing an economic boost to the region.

Included in a metal box within the stone were five Portland daily newspapers, historic documents relating to the building, and a photograph of Whitehouse and the partners of his architectural firm.

[2] The exterior of the building is faced with a veneer of light gray Wilkeson sandstone, described as "hard in texture and impervious to water," from Washington State.

[2] Characterized in a 1933 Oregonian article as "looming, immense, and impressive," the Courthouse retains its original character.

[2] Designed in the Renaissance Revival style, the building is a study in formalism with touches of Art Deco details.

[2] The symmetrical facade is accented with classically inspired details such as the Doric pilasters and the evenly spaced fenestration pattern.

[2] A sandstone frieze with alternating classical triglyphs (groups of three vertical bands) and metopes (interstitial spaces) with Art Deco stylized floral patterns wraps the building.

A modern white marble figurative sculpture by artist Manuel Neri is located east of the main entrance.

[2] Handsome bas-relief figures memorializing Oregonians who fell in military service in World War I decorate the end walls.