The James A. McClure Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse was built in 1966 to support the U.S. Courts and other Federal agencies. It continues to serve that purpose today. The location of this building is urban-unique as it is flanked by a historical residential neighborhood, nestled against the Boise foothills, and rests on 10.7 acres adjoining several park-like acres owned by the Veterans Administration.

This building has occupancy on 7 floors with the U.S. Courts occuping the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors. The building structure is supported by a framework of steel girders. The exterior facade is precast concrete and glass.  Heating is accomplished with supplied Geothermal water, and air conditioning is supplied through the use of two 350 ton chillers with a free cooling loop added in 1999.  

On Wednesday, December 12, 2001, President George W. Bush signed a law designating this building the "James A. McClure Federal Building and United States Courthouse".  James A. McClure was a U.S. Senator from Idaho (1973-1991), a U.S. Congressman from the 1st District of Idaho (1967-1973), and an Idaho State Senator (1961-1966).