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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.
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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
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