General Services Administration
Ashley U.S. Courthouse Annex and Modernization
Project
Ashley U.S. Courthouse Annex and Modernization
Client
General Services Administration
Location
Toledo, OH
Completion
Est. 2024
Size
188,000 GSF
Certification
LEED Gold Target
Category
Civic Realm, Renovations + Additions
Partner Firm
Bialosky
This new Annex (currently in construction) and major renovation and modernization of the James M. Ashley and Thomas W.L. Ashley U.S. Courthouse in Toledo, Ohio will meet the long-term space requirements for the Judiciary and the Department of Justice. The design balances openness and daylight with transparent facades that reflect the values of the judicial process. A stone façade and a bridge connection integrate the annex with the existing historic courthouse. The “Glass Porch” of the Annex along Spielbusch Avenue boasts a double-height atrium leading to the four District Courts, showcasing activity to the street. The building celebrates the glass manufacturing heritage of Toledo and integrates natural daylight, views and connections to the Civic Mall.
HISTORICAL MEETS CONTEMPORARY
The exterior design of the Annex is deferential to the colors, materiality, and massing of the Ashley Courthouse, while pushing for a new contemporary language within the Civic Mall. The Annex respects the height of the historic courthouse by matching its cornice to that of the Ashley and setting back its two upper stories such that they do not visually compete with the original building. While the Annex façade has been carefully matched to the stone of the Ashley, the new courthouse employs a great deal more glass, bringing greater transparency to its halls of justice.
COURTROOM DESIGN
The design of the four district and municipal courtrooms in the Annex is a departure from the typical designs of recent courtrooms. These rooms feature translucent glazing along one wall that brings in natural daylighting while still providing visual and acoustical privacy to the proceedings. Additionally the courtrooms feature a free-standing witness stand, which ensures a clear distinction between the roles of witnesses, the judge and other court officials, all while providing ideal sight lines for the jury and gathered audience.
CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS
View of the Northern facade of the Annex and its connection to the historical courthouse
Interior connection of the Annex to the historical courthouse
The Jury Assembly structure takes form
The decking for connector to the new Annex is put in place
The ceiling of the municipal courtroom begins to take form
The North facade of the Annex gets its glazing installed
Curved stone panels are installed at the entryways to the Annex courtrooms
The Western facade takes shape after glazing has been installed
PROJECT CONSULTANTS
Structural Engineer | LeMessurier Consultants, Inc.
Mechanical / Electrical | Buro Happold
Civil Engineer | DGL Consulting Engineers
Landscape Architect | Stimson
AV Consultant | Buro Happold
Fire / Code Consultant | Jensen Hughes