Create a U.S. Courthouse design that achieves high levels of sustainability, the federal government’s Design Excellence Program standards and a grand aesthetic as a signature civic building.

Based on space requirements provided by the U.S. Courts, Attorneys, Marshals and the General Services Administration, the design team worked through numerous design charrettes, LEED workshops, peer reviews, value engineering workshops and meetings to address specific building aspects, and used Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the process to aid the owner in making design decisions.

The new courthouse has been designed to achieve LEED Gold certification for sustainability, incorporating a green roof, materials re-use and energy performance optimization. The design embraces its site on a scenic bluff top overlooking the Missouri River – previously a brownfield area. Its prominence as a noble piece of civic architecture in the community will make it the cornerstone of a new public square. The interiors reflect the facility’s overall grandeur, with high-end finishes and furnishings throughout the building.