- Academic
- Civic & Institutional
- J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center
- J.W. McCormack Federal Courthouse and Post Office
- Wheeling Federal Building and U.S. District Courthouse
- Massachusetts Transportation Building
- Dorchester District Courthouse
- Research Facilities
Wheeling Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
U.S. General Services Administration
Wheeling, West Virginia
This new 88,000 SF Annex adjoins a 1905 Beaux Arts federal courthouse in the downtown historic district. The new addition strengthens a significant city block which was frayed with vacant lots, and helps invigorate the central business district.
Relevant Project Information:
- Several adjacent commercial buildings were acquired and demolished, allowing the courthouse complex to extend the full block and bring visual order to the environs.
- Houses a U.S. District courtroom, judges' chambers, offices, parking garage, and a four-story, glass-enclosed atrium, which serves as the main entryway and central public gathering space.
- Although designed with similar materials, scale, and massing to respect the historic character of the 1905 building, the new structure is decidedly modern in its detailing.
- As a safety precaution, the new two-story district courtroom was embedded within the new structure to prevent direct visual access into the room.
- HLM Design (Bethesda, MD) was the Architect of Record.
Sustainable Design:
- In its mechanical design, the building makes use of the most energy-efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
- As a security precaution, the district courthouse is embedded within the new Annex building to prevent direct visual access from the outside, which made the daylighting system a critical part of the design. It was important that persons inside the courtroom have access to light to give them a sense of time. The courtroom is lit by a large window that draws light from the atrium.
- Electronic ballasts and efficient light fixtures.
- An electronically controlled building automation system with energy conserving features was also installed.
Awards:
- Buildings Magazine -- New Construction Award
- AIA West Virginia -- Honor Award
- AAJ Justice Facilities Review – Citation Winner
Additional Recognition:
- Included in National Center for State Courts: Retrospective of Courthouse Design
#
