James V. Hansen Federal Building, 1965
Keith Wilcox’s architectural rendering
Senator Wallace Bennet first proposed a new federal building for Ogden in 1960. Ogden’s previous federal building was no longer adequate, and most of the federal offices had to lease spaces in other buildings. With approval from the federal government, Ogden went about acquiring the properties at the proposed site—the 300 block of 25th Street. In May 1961, Ogden City condemned the site to acquire 20 properties.
Keith Wilcox was hired as the architect, and work started on July 15, 1963, with the demolition of all the historic buildings but Mecca and Lee Simone’s tavern. These two businesses needed more time to move their operations. The cost of the building was $6,349,000, including $870,000 to purchase the site. The new building included a fallout shelter with space for 3,000 people and 10 tons of supplies.
There was underground water along the block, so crews had to pour a thick concrete slab for the six-story building to float on. During construction pumps were running day and night to drain the stream.
The building cornerstone was laid in September 1962 with Senator Frank E. Moss and Representatives Laurence J. Burton and Gerald E. McNamara present. Moss stated that, “This will be a constant reminder of the strong tie between the people of Ogden and the federal government and a reminder of the great part the federal government plays in the Ogden economy.” About 100 citizens also attended the ceremony.
The Federal Building United States Court House was completed in June 1965, and the Forest Service, federal judges, and U.S. District Court took occupancy on the 28th. It officially opened to the public later that year. In 2004 the building was renamed in honor Congressman James V. Hansen who retired after 23 years of service.
Sen. Frank Moss, Reps. Laurence Burton and Gerald McNamara during the cornerstone ceremony
Charles Kelly moving the file cabinets into the new building