Byron G. Rogers U.S. Courthouse
Spared the wrecking ball, a 1960s-era courthouse transforms into a green leader.
Architects & Firms
Denver
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.
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.
PeopleOwner General Services Administration Architect Bennett Wagner & Grody Architects Principal-in-charge: Martha L. Bennett, AIA, LEED AP Principal-in-charge construction technology: Don Grody, AIA Principal-in-charge design: Linda Moore Wagner, AIA Project manager: Mary Morissette, AIA Project architect: Patrick Johnson, AIA Technical advisor: Mark McClelland, AIA Job captain: Anne-Claude Pharamound Architectural intern: Tadd Irwin Interior designer: Gayle Carter Engineer M/e: RMH Group Structural/civil: Martin/Martin Consultants Landscape: Lime Green Design Lighting: RMH Group Acoustical: Shen Milson & Wilke Environmental: Walsh Environmental Commissioning: E-Cube Energy-efficient mechanical design: Ambient Energy 1% for Art Program: Jim Campbell General contractor MCDS/PCL joint venture Photographer Ron Pollard Photography |
ProductsStructural system Reinforced steel floor deck framing in selected areas Exterior Cladding Masonry: Interior CMU and GMU Metal/glass curtainwall: Explosion-resistant Vistawall at new vestibule Wood: Doors, door frames, interior window frames, trim, wainscoting, judges’ benches, jury boxes, witness stands by Beaubois Millwork Roofing Three-ply SBS modified bitumen and integral flashings and Energy Star certified membrane Windows: Glass: Explosion-resistant skylight glazing by A1Glass Skylights: Explosion-resistant skylight glazing by A1Glass Doors Entrances: Level III ballistic pivot and revolving doors by Crane Doors Wood doors: Interior wood doors by Beaubois Fire-control doors, security grilles: Wood & HM fire doors Drywall painting, interior metal door frames: Heggum Lundquist Hardware Locksets: Medeco Exit devices: Von Dupren Cabinet hardware: Hafele Interior finishes: Acoustical ceilings in courtrooms: Ceilings Plus Cabinetwork and custom woodwork: Beaubois Special surfacing: Dupont Corian Floor and wall tile: Ceramic tile in all restroom walls and floors; terrazzo floors by Wausau Resilient flooring: Cork in all courtroom spectator areas; VCT in utility/storage rooms by Armstrong VCT Carpet: Shaw Raised flooring: Access floors in all courtrooms Interior ambient lighting: 2/4-lamp T8 pendant Downlights: High efficiency fluorescent Controls: Combination photocell/motion sensing switches all rooms; programmable controls in courtrooms Conveyance Elevators/escalators: KONE
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