Charles Evans Whittaker Federal Courthouse, Kansas City

The Charles Evans Whittaker Federal Courthouse in Kansas City stands out as a distinctive landmark amid the city's predominantly rectangular skyscrapers. Completed in 2000, the courthouse's unique cylindrical design, partially clad in glass, offers a striking contrast to the traditional skyline. The building features 12 stories supported by 12 prominent columns that extend from the base to the roof, emphasizing its modern architectural style. Interestingly, the entire project was designed using the metric system, a notable departure from the customary imperial system used in the United States. Inside, the courthouse boasts a spacious, three-story-high round lobby adorned with 25 sculptures, providing an inviting and impressive entrance.

Named after Charles Evans Whittaker, the only Federal Judge from Missouri to serve on the United States Supreme Court, the courthouse honors his legacy and contributions to the judiciary. Whittaker's career included service on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri and the U.S. Court of Appeals before his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1957, where he served until 1962. The naming of this modern facility within the Eighth Circuit is a fitting tribute to its historical significance.

Two mural paintings from the 1930s adorn the jury assembly area on the courthouse's second floor. Created under the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP), these murals were discovered in the attic of the 1849 Jail, Marshal's Home & Museum in Independence, Missouri. The first, painted by Emanuel Shane in 1934, depicts Kansas City's river landing in the 1850s and includes a subtle nod to the courthouse construction trailer of J.E. Dunn. The second, by Walter Alexander Bailey in 1934, showcases Watts Mill on Indian Creek.

Overall, the Charles Evans Whittaker Federal Courthouse is not just a judicial building; it's a modern architectural marvel that pays homage to history, art, and one of Missouri's most esteemed legal figures.