Jefferson County Government Center

Golden, Colorado, USA531,000 sfCompletion 1993

Revered by locals as the “Taj Mahal,” the dignified Government Center — and the county it serves — takes its inspiration from the work of an American president who set a standard for early civic and academic architecture.

27
Number of courtrooms
31
Number of judges’ chambers

In addition to emphasizing technical innovations and resource conservation, Fentress’ design pays homage to Thomas Jefferson in the atrium dome’s interpretation of the Rotunda on the University of Virginia campus: the Government Center’s awe-inspiring, 125-foot high central rotunda is finished with warm, natural cherry wood, terrazzo flooring and brass accents that harken to traditional civic architecture. Two-toned precast on the exterior blends with the nearby Rocky Mountain foothills.