SOM’s first major project in Los Angeles in years, the Los Angeles U.S. Courthouse, broke ground last week. Those in attendance included new LA mayor Eric Garcetti, who’s just beginning his rounds of ceremonial events around the city. The downtown commission, located at First Street and Broadway, was awarded late last year.

The 600,000 square foot building will include 24 courtrooms and 32 judicial chambers and will house the U.S. District Court and the Central District of California, among other facilities. Renderings reveal a serrated, glassy cube resting on a narrow, solid pedestal, and a sky-lit central courtyard at the building’s core. The project is pursuing a LEED Platinum rating. The design build team also includes Clark Construction and Jacobs Project Management.

Completion is scheduled for summer 2016.