Albert Armendariz, Sr. U.S. Courthouse

The new 278,000-square-foot U.S. Courthouse in El Paso, Texas is a major step toward enhancing the capabilities of the judicial system in this busy border city. Our firm acted as judicial planning and design consultant for the new courthouse dramatically set at the foot of the Franklin Mountains.

Composed primarily of district and magistrate courts and chambers, the courthouse has numerous passive and active features to mitigate its environmental impact. The massing approach frames the spectacular mountain views between a stone clad courtroom block and a copper clad “nugget” containing the jury assembly and circuit library. Its public face is designed to be open and inviting to the public, yet provide state-of-the-art resistance to blast and other possible security threats.

Awards

• 2010 – Best New Construction Award, 2010 Texas Downtown Association President’s Award
• LEED Silver Certified