Story

Honoring the legacy of a former District of Columbia Superior Courts Chief Judge, the H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse is the largest on Judiciary Square, accommodating one of the nation's busiest judicial systems. Undertaking a visionary expansion and meticulous renovation, this project encompassed a 52,000 SF extension, shifting the inter building facade 36 feet closer to C Street, coupled with a comprehensive revitalization of 226,000 SF of existing space—all executed seamlessly while the courthouse remained fully operational. The construction involved the strategic removal of the entire C Street facade, initiating essential structural enhancements. Embracing a contemporary aesthetic, the new building envelope showcases limestone masonry complemented by energy-efficient/bullet resistant windows and cantilevered curtain walls. The expansion provides six stories on the C Street side of the building, seamlessly integrating with the existing Moultrie Courthouse structure. A granite and stainless-steel fence accentuates the building approach, while a redesigned landscape breathes new life into the exterior facade. An airy atrium and the incorporation of glazed curtain walls and courtroom windows seamlessly invite the infusion of natural light into the space. Serving as a secondary public entrance, the C Street access point facilitates enhanced security screening and public. This addition fosters improved public circulation, featuring accessible intake counters and office space vital for supporting the Family Court consolidation. Moreover, it provides chambers for 21 judges and six multi-defendant criminal courtrooms, along with associated holding facilities and prisoner circulation corridors, and a Grand Lobby that incorporates selected artwork by local artist. Other amenities include support offices, jury rooms, secure judge circulation routes, public restrooms, elevators and stairways, with the existing lobby receiving an extension. The project necessitated the installation of entirely new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm, and suppression systems. State-of-the-art HVAC controls, chillers, air handling units, and lighting systems ensure optimal functionality and energy efficiency. Notably, sustainable design elements such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and a solar farm atop the roof contribute to the facility's LEED Platinum Certification, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship. Occupied spaces adjacent to work areas required close logistical coordination and special temporary protection. Forrester’s proactive approach minimized disruptions, ensuring smooth project progression and safeguarding public access throughout construction. The project was built to achieve LEED Platinum Certification. The sustainable design features include solar panels, rainwater harvesting tanks, a solar farm on the roof, grey water building system, and use of recycled products within the building finishes. Employing Building Information Modeling (BIM) proved instrumental in preemptively resolving coordination challenges, preventing conflicts between mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural elements before fabrication and construction commenced. This contemporary addition and renovation of the Moultrie Courthouse revitalized the mid-century modernist limestone building on DC's historic Judiciary Square. As a testament to meticulous planning and execution, this multi-year undertaking unfolded in multiple phases, allowing for continued courthouse operations throughout the transformation process.