Richard Sheppard Arnold Federal Courthouse

Little Rock, Arkansas

Project Details
396,000 sq. ft.
Registered Silver Project

Awards
AIA National Justice Facilities Design Award

When constructed in 1931, the historic federal courthouse contained a majority of the federal offices in the city and two courtrooms. By the 1990s, it became necessary to expand and remodel the building to provide for nineteen judges and their staffs.

WER began the initial design and fieldwork in 1999, and construction on the project started in 2003. This project was multi-phased over five years to help keep the courthouse open during the extensive renovations which included an addition to the building, remodeling of the old building and restoration of a number of principal historic spaces.

Ultimately, the goal was to extend the blend of prominent buildings and landscaping exemplified in the Capitol Avenue annex from the downtown core out of the Capitol itself. In this sense, what began with this project will become a model for a procession of architecture and green space that ties the city center with the domed profile of the government center.

State-of-the-art telecommunications and environmental systems concealed from view in access floors ensure flexibility. Beneath the removable floor, tiles, power, telephones, computers, fiber optics and other key support systems can all be adjusted, adapting easily to the needs of specific trials and evolving technologies. Low energy lighting, HVAC and other high-performance building, operating and maintenance systems are the norm in the courthouse.