Market: Civic + Judicial

Construction Begins on $144mil Courthouse

Posted on by Jessica del Pilar

Largest Civic Project Ever in Mendocino County

Excerpt: It will take two years for construction crews to complete a public project that is expected to pump millions of dollars into the surrounding community, and in effect expand the commercial core of Ukiah with promises of new retail developments and infrastructure improvements.

“There’s no doubt that we are at a unique point in time where the decisions we make today will dramatically shape the future of our downtown,” said Deputy City Manager Shannon Riley.

The scale of the new courthouse project is monumental:

  • The new courthouse will embrace the latest technologies and meet national standards for ‘green’ public buildings. It will replace a 1950s-era county-owned building which is dated in appearance and function. The current courthouse is out of compliance with current safety, seismic and accessibility codes and deemed by federal officials as a high-risk building because of seismic concerns. The Judicial Council of California after years of delays ranked the new Mendocino County Courthouse as an “immediate need.”
  • It dwarfs other private and public improvements locally past and present. The state funded project has been 20 years in the making, a stop and go process that survived funding crises, multiple delays, and public debates about its location.
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City OKs Conditional Rezoning for Judicial Center

Posted on by Jessica del Pilar

Excerpt: Steven White, who grew up in Chapel Hill and graduated from N.C. State University, is a principal and Washington, D.C., studio director for Fentress Architects, the designer of the additions. White “views each project as a chance to blend history, community and sustainability and to shape an urban landscape that enriches both people and the environment”…

The new courthouse will have a drop-off area and secure entrance for the public on North Grove Street. Parking will be in a large surface lot on the north side of the building. The courthouse addition contains seven courtrooms for District and Superior court and other judicial proceedings, improved security for judges and staff and segregated access corridors for jail inmates. 

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Celebrating Iconic Green Buildings Across the United States

Posted on by Jessica del Pilar

US Green Building Council

Excerpt: Buildings with exciting architectural design, historical significance and cultural impact evoke a strong emotional response. Such buildings can also greatly impact local, national and global sustainability goals, due to their energy efficiency, water conservation measures, human health strategies and reduced carbon footprint. In addition to being major attractions in their areas, many of these icons are also certified with green building rating systems such as LEED, SITES and TRUE and are well known for their sustainability efforts.

lobby
Thompson US Courthouse + Federal Building
aerial view

Iconic LEED buildings around the US: South

Fred D. Thompson Courthouse, Nashville, Tennessee—SITES Silver and LEED Gold certification under LEED BD+C: By combining certifications, this modern government building showcases its dedication to energy efficiency and environmentally responsible design.

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AIA Colorado Award of Merit Goes to Royal Norwegian Embassy Renovation

Posted on by Julian Fentress
Royal Norwegian Embassy

AIA Colorado selected Fentress Architects’ Royal Norwegian Embassy Renovation for an Award of Merit. This award recognizes exemplary projects that reinforce the value of outstanding architecture and its positive contributions to the community.

The Royal Norwegian Embassy Renovation added an at-grade main entrance, a versatile indoor-outdoor ceremonial space and exterior enhancements that maximize natural daylight. The renovation also provided a comprehensive interior remodel and the addition of the Atlantic Ocean Hall.

The primary goals for the renovation were to provide a sustainable, functional, and contemporary office for foreign diplomats and staff. At the same time, the renovation also sought to preserve the embassy’s historic character. Upgrades such as an improved thermal envelope, energy-efficient windows, and sustainable landscaping align with the project’s environmental objectives. These features also ensure the building maintains a dignified yet distinctive presence on Washington D.C.’s Embassy Row.

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