Byron G. Rogers U.S. Courthouse - Denver, CO - LEED Buildings on Waymarking.com

"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." (from (visit link)

It was previously prohibited to photograph Federal Buildings, but the right was upheld in October 2010 (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/19/AR2010101906119.html ). I was told not to photograph this building in August 2010, but it is now legal again.

Certification Level: Gold Website: [Web Link] Rating:

Visit Instructions:
Please share your pictures and thoughts about the Certified Building. If you notice any features about the building that make it "green", or any information you can glean from websites or with talking with people in the area, please share that on your Visited Log Entry.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   12/28/2010 WalkingDuo visited it