News Summary
The Donald Stuart Russell Federal Courthouse in Spartanburg is now on the GSA’s list for potential sale, leading to mixed reactions from the community. Constructed in 1931, the courthouse is a historic landmark and vital for legal proceedings in the area. Local officials, including Councilman David Britt, oppose the sale, highlighting its importance for the community. The decision follows a broader initiative by the Trump administration to cut government spending by disposing of ‘non-core’ properties. Stay tuned as the fate of this iconic building hangs in the balance.
Spartanburg Courthouse Up for Sale: What You Need to Know
Spartanburg residents, brace yourselves! The iconic Donald Stuart Russell Federal Courthouse, a beloved piece of the local landscape, is now on the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) list for potential sale. On March 4, 2025, the GSA announced that the courthouse will join a lineup of five federal properties slated for disposal across South Carolina. Now, that’s big news for this charming city!
A Bit of Background
Located at 201 Magnolia St., the courthouse spans an impressive 50,000 square feet and has been a cornerstone of the community since it was constructed in 1931. This historical building is not just any other structure; it proudly boasts a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Its namesake, Donald Stuart Russell, was a notable former governor, U.S. senator, and federal judge of South Carolina, adding to the courthouse’s rich heritage.
Why the Sale?
The move to consider selling such a significant property comes as part of a broader directive from the Trump administration aimed at cutting down government spending. The GSA is on the lookout for “non-core” properties across the nation that can be disposed of. Alongside the Spartanburg courthouse, other properties include the G. Ross Anderson Jr. Federal Building in Anderson, the Matthew J. Perry Jr. Courthouse parking garage in Columbia, and two additional buildings, the Strom Thurmond U.S. Courthouse and the Strom Thurmond Federal Building, also in Columbia.
While the announcement certainly raises eyebrows, a GSA spokesperson clarified that just because a property is listed does not mean it’s guaranteed to be sold. They will be considering any “compelling offers” that come their way, taking into account the necessary laws and regulations.
Local Reactions
One thing is clear: the proposed sale has sparked some heated discussions in the community. Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt has voiced strong opposition against selling the federal courthouse. According to him, the courthouse is vital for holding legal hearings and naturalization ceremonies, thus playing an essential role in the community. Currently, judges Henry Floyd and Don Coggins operate out of this courthouse, which frequently hosts numerous legal proceedings, making it more than just a historical landmark.
It’s worth mentioning that the Spartanburg courthouse has a bit of a tumultuous history. Just a few years back, both this courthouse and its counterpart in Anderson were at serious risk of closing. Back in 2020, most federal court activities were moved to new, shinier facilities in Greenville, leading to local outcry over the potential loss of these important sites.
Looking Ahead
The courthouse is conveniently located directly across from the recently opened Spartanburg County Courthouse, which cost a staggering $120 million and officially opened its doors in January 2024. With such a new neighbor, the local courthouse’s fate remains uncertain as discussions regarding the potential sale continue.
What’s Next?
The GSA is committed to eliminating maintenance costs associated with empty and underutilized federal spaces. As they move forward with this disposal list, it will be interesting to see how Spartanburg residents respond. Will the community stand firm in its desire to keep the courthouse, or will they find a new chapter in its history? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, stay tuned as the unfolding situation continues to develop. With its expansive history and significance to Spartanburg, the fate of the Donald Stuart Russell Federal Courthouse remains a critical topic of conversation in this vibrant city.
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Additional Resources
- Go Upstate: Trump Administration to Sell Off Spartanburg’s Russell Courthouse
- Post and Courier: Federal Properties in South Carolina Sold
- The State: Local Crime News
- SC Daily Gazette: Trump May Put Hundreds of Federal Buildings Up for Sale
- Upstate Business Journal: Spartanburg County Courthouse Vision
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- Google Search: Donald Stuart Russell Federal Courthouse
- Google Scholar: Donald Stuart Russell Federal Courthouse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
- Google News: Spartanburg Courthouse Sale
