Illinois' 1870 constitution established appellate courts, and this building then shared space with the fourth district until 1897 when all supreme court sessions moved to Springfield. The building presently houses the 5th District Appellate Court.
The Illinois constitution of 1870 introduced a system of higher courts, and this structure initially combined its space with that of the fourth district court until 1897, when all high court proceedings were transferred to Springfield. The building is currently used as the main office for the 5th Judicial District Appellate Court.