United States Supreme Court
Client: United States Government
Location: Washington D.C.
Stone: Vermont Marble
On October 13, 1932, Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes marked a momentous occasion by laying the cornerstone for the Supreme Court Building, proclaiming, "The Republic endures and this is the symbol of its faith," underscoring the profound significance of the Supreme Court in the American system of government. It was not until 1935, a 146 years after its establishment, that the Supreme Court finally had its own dedicated building. The journey to achieve this milestone began in 1929 when Chief Justice William Howard Taft, President of the United States (1909-1913), successfully persuaded Congress to authorize the construction of a suitable building. Tasked with the design was architect Cass Gilbert, with a mandate to create a structure of "dignity and importance suitable for its use as the permanent home of the Supreme Court of the United States," a responsibility he executed with utmost diligence.
The Supreme Court Building's foundation spans approximately 385 feet from east to west (front to back) and 304 feet from north to south. The building rises four stories above the terrace or ground floor at its highest point. For its construction, marble was chosen as the primary material, with $3 million worth of marble sourced from both domestic and foreign quarries. Vermont marble was utilized for the exterior, while the four inner courtyards feature crystalline flaked white Georgia marble. Above the basement level, the corridors and entrance halls boast walls and floors partially or entirely made of creamy Alabama marble.
Preserving History: Quarra Stone Enhances Hidden Areas of Supreme Court Building During Renovation
In the process of renovating portions of the interior that are not accessible to the public, Quarra Stone was entrusted with the task. Though images of the work are limited to those taken during a private mockup for approval before installation, Quarra Stone's expertise and craftsmanship played a vital role in restoring and enhancing these areas of the Supreme Court Building.