Completed in 2013, Forell | Elsesser provided structural engineering services for this new courthouse. The 96,500 s.f. 3-story facility has a partial basement and houses courtrooms, administrative offices, holding cells, sallyport, and support areas. Customized Solution

• The new building is a 9 courtroom, in-custody-capable courthouse with holding facilities, administrative offices, judicial chambers, waiting areas, public outreach space, and a jury assembly room.
• Its notable features include a large covered courtyard providing a shaded outdoor gathering area, courtrooms that receive natural light, and a second-floor jury assembly room that looks out over a green roof. Fronting the main thoroughfare, the building engages the city in which it resides. The courtyard creates a ceremonial space and provides an iconic image for the courthouse.
• Large expanses of glass connect the interior circulation pathways with the courtyard and assist in wayfinding through the building.
• The project is LEED Silver certified.

• Architect: CO Architects
• Owner: Judicial Council of California (JCC)
• The structure is steel framed with composite floor and moment frames to resist seismic loads