Reagan Federal Building to Open Next Month

Nearly a decade after it was first planned, the Ronald Reagan Federal Building in Santa Ana is set to open next month--a year behind schedule but on budget.

The 10-story building is draped in glass and marble, and houses state-of-the-art courtrooms and airy public galleries with sweeping views.

Officials say it will go a long way toward meeting the needs of federal agencies in Orange County, most of which are housed in offices scattered around downtown Santa Ana.

The number of district courtrooms will double--from three to six--easing the backlog of cases that results in many being assigned to federal court in Los Angeles. The number of bankruptcy courtrooms will increase from four to six.