Drawings released of new courthouse

Mary Voelz Chandler, Rocky Mountain News

Published November 29, 2006 at midnight

Text size

More Local News

Conceptual images of Denver's new courthouse, the first since architect Steven Holl was dismissed from the project, show a precast concrete building with a glass facade.

The design, by Denver-based klipp Architecture, is still evolving, said Denver Justice Center policy manager James Mejia.

Suggestions from a Citizens Advisory Committee of future tenants and neighbors who met last week have yet to be fully incorporated.

"I like the efficiency of it. I like the aesthetics of it, and I like the process," Mejia said.

"The klipp team really has taken to heart comments from the Citizens Advisory Committee."

Those suggestions include finding a way to make the front glass facade to the east more prominent, adding an entry on the west side and reworking the design of the plaza between the courthouse and the neighboring jail to provide a greater link to the Golden Triangle to the south.

The courthouse renderings represent the end of the conceptual period of design. Now a more concrete phase begins, said Brian Klipp, who moved from local firm to designer status when Holl's contract was terminated in October.

"My sense is that, as with all the work we do, our work is redefined and reinvented as we go along," Klipp said of any future refinements. "The framework stays, but the translation changes."

Klipp said the designs submitted Monday were on budget, at $99.1 million for construction. The next design documents are due Jan. 19, with final designs by March 19.

On Monday, the City Council approved an $8.9 million agreement with Hensel Phelps Construction Co. for pre-construction and site preparation services for the project.

The contract covers the demolition of the former Rocky Mountain News building, site security and the purchase of construction materials and services.

Subscribe to the Rocky Mountain News