The Charles R. Jonas Federal Building and Courthouse in Charlotte, N.C., is a historic Neo-classical edifice built in 1915. The building’s size was tripled in 1933. But more recently it has been badly in need of upgrading to 21st Century justice standards, especially in the areas of security, energy efficiency, and workspaces for support staff.
A Building Team that included the designer Robert A.M. Stern Architects and CGL Companies (which specializes in justice-related projects) recently completed a $164.7 million modernization and addition of an eight-story wing that accommodates nine new courtrooms, chambers, and support spaces. The new wing, which rises up behind the original building, maintains the courthouse’s Classical architectural presence along Charlotte’s skyline.
Unintrusive modernization of the Charles R. Jonas Federal Building and Courthouse
Charlotte-based Jenkins Peer Architects was AOR on this project, which was completed 11 months ago and had its ribbon cutting last May. fs3|Hodges was the CMa and Brasfield & Gorrie the CMc. The project added 195,719 sf, bringing the building’s total gross size to 315,685 sf. The new wing includes a top-floor Special Proceedings Courthouse and judges’ chambers. The addition is seeking LEED Gold certification.
Inside, a distinguishing feature is how the historic and new facades meet in a double-height stair hall inserted between the two structures. A skylight provides natural light from above the interiors. Outside, RAMSA created a two-story, lighted portico that mimics the columned front of the original building.
“We’ve successfully updated the Jonas Courthouse for the future without compromising on what has made it a treasured part of uptown Charlotte’s architectural fabric,” said Kevin Kelly, Partner at RAMSA, in a prepared statement. “For cities across the country, it’s an example of how significant and historic civic infrastructure can be modernized in a way that maintains a distinct character and presence.”
This project is the result of a 2012 examination by the U.S. Courts and General Services Administration for the potential reuse of the city-owned Jonas Courthouse to meet long-term housing needs. Charlotte agreed to a property exchange that returned ownership of the Courthouse to the GSA.
Related Stories
| Jan 30, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: parking structures, town halls, community centers
Construction market analysts from RSMeans offer construction costs per square foot for four building types across 25 metro markets.
| Jan 22, 2013
Virginia State Police Completes New Driver Training Complex
The Virginia State Police begins driver training at a new $27.4 million complex near Fort Pickett; construction of a new firing range is set to begin this spring.
| Dec 15, 2012
SAIC makes ready to lay off 700
SAIC, McLean, Va. (2011 construction revenues: $185,390,000), said it plans to cut its workforce by 700 employees in order to remain competitive in the federal market.
| Dec 9, 2012
AEC professionals cautiously optimistic about commercial construction in ’13
Most economists say the U.S. is slowly emerging from the Great Recession, a view that was confirmed to some extent by an exclusive survey of 498 BD+C subscribers whose views we sought on the commercial construction industry’s outlook on business prospects for 2013.
| Nov 11, 2012
Greenbuild 2012 Report: Government & Military
Public sector remains a bastion of sustainability
| Oct 12, 2012
Joint venture to manage construction of U.S. State Department's Foreign Affairs Security Training Center
The project will establish a center for training in a variety of security disciplines within the U.S. Department of State for the protection of diplomats and U.S. embassies abroad.
| Oct 4, 2012
2012 Reconstruction Awards Platinum Winner: City Hall, New York, N.Y.
New York's City Hall last received a major renovation nearly a century ago. Four years ago, a Building Team led by construction manager Hill International took on the monumental task of restoring City Hall for another couple of hundred years of active service.
| Sep 12, 2012
Harvesting new ways to eliminate waste at the USDA
After installing 20 high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers in restrooms throughout the USDA headquarters; the USDA reports seeing an immediate 50% reduction in the use of paper towels.
| Sep 7, 2012
Manhattan Construction Co. to build Fairfax office building
Designed by Noritake Associates of Alexandria Virginia, the project is LEED-registered, seeking LEED Silver certification.
| Aug 9, 2012
DMR Architects converts bank building to municipal court
The project consisted of a $4 million renovation to a 2-story building totaling 13,000-sf.
