comment
Gleneagles Community Centre The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center International Criminal Court San Jose City Hall Byron G. Rogers U.S. Courthouse U.S. Post Office and Courthouse Brooklyn U.S. Census Bureau Limerick County Council Redmond City Hall
Byron G. Rogers U.S. Courthouse
Spared the wrecking ball, a 1960s-era courthouse transforms into a green leader
After nearly 40 years of continual use and stopgap modifications to address heightened security measures after the Oklahoma City bombing, by 2002 the timeworn Byron G. Rogers U. S. Courthouse was doomed to eternal renovations—or the wrecking ball. But the building had history worth preserving—high profile trials, including that of Timothy McVeigh, have taken place there. The U.S. General Services Administration selected Bennett Wagner & Grody Architects to oversee a $45.8 million redesign and modernization of the 247,000-square-foot courthouse. The architect chose to retain its site plan and exterior facades, which were original designed by Denver-based James Sudler Associates and Fisher and Davis in 1965.
Based on what you have seen and read about this project, how would you grade it? Use the stars below to indicate your assessment, five stars being the highest rating.
Nearly all of the modifications occurred indoors, which were given a new “tuxedo” aesthetic scheme. Dark, cherry-stained maple detailing and black granite finishes contrast against white gypsum walls. Deep saturated colors along office corridors ease complex navigation, while clerestory windows above office doors create a subtle pattern of interest along hallways while drawing outside light into interior corridors. Indirect wall sconces, floating ceilings, and decorative artwork throughout the building mirror design details of the lobby’s original formalist architecture.
While the courthouse’s interior aesthetics received a facelift, the biggest transformation involved its overall energy performance and sustainability quotient. In fact, the Denver courthouse became the first Gold LEED-EB (existing building) certification in GSA's nation-wide inventory. To achieve this rating, the courthouse incorporates state-of-the-art HVAC systems and daylighting. Also, all building materials qualified as recycled and all wood products met requirements for sustainable forestry practices.
Formal name of project:
Byron G. Rogers U.S. Courthouse
Location:
Denver
Gross square footage:
247,000 sq. ft.
Total construction cost:
$45.8 million
Owner:
General Services Administration
Architect:
Bennett Wagner & Grody Architects
1301 Wazee, Suite 100
Denverlorado 80204
303-623-7323 tel.
303-623-2836 fax
About the people and products behind this project
Subscribe to Architectural Record and save 60% off the full rate!
Get Architectural Record digital with free bonus content not found in the magazine!
Order back issues—complete your library!
Video
Sign in to Comment
To write a comment about this story, please sign in. If this is your first time commenting on this site, you will be required to fill out a brief registration form. Your public username will be the beginning of the email address that you enter into the form (everything before the @ symbol). Other than that, none of the information that you enter will be publically displayed.