CREJ - Journal

MARCH 2015 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \

he new Dennis Maes Pueblo Judicial Build-

ing, named after recently retired Chief Judge

C. Dennis Maes, is Colorado’s newest judicial

building. This is one of the most significant

civic structures in the Pueblo County and a jewel in

the Colorado judicial system. DLR Group’s design re-

places an aging 1960s courthouse, re-energizing down-

town Pueblo’s commercial district, serving as a symbol

of its earlier history and recalling its cultural heritage

and vitality. The 182,350-square-foot, five-story building

houses 17 district, county, ceremonial and first-appear-

ance magistrate courtrooms along with Clerk of Court,

jury assembly and judicial probation offices. The secure basement level

also includes central holding and booking.

The Vision

For over 20 years, the combined courts of the 10th Judicial District of

the state of Colorado and the Pueblo County Courts resided in a build-

ing ill-suited for judicial operations. Cramped and dark, the old facility

lacked the flexibility and square footage tomeet their expanding judicial

needs.

“We outgrew the old facilities a long while back,” said Court Adminis-

trator Bobbi Griffin. “We added staff and new programs but we were not

able to hire some available positions due to lack of adequate space. From

a security standpoint it was unsafe. The public service windows were dif-

ficult to conduct business through and, when lines got long, they created

crowd control issues in the main foyer,” Griffin added.

The site chosen for the project was a former ice house on the western

edge of downtown, chosen by the courts, county and design team based

on opportunity to link the Historic Downtown District with the River

Walk District, improving the urban experience for the residents of Pueb-

lo. This industrialized area, underutilized and discarded for several years,

underwent significant environmental cleanup and mitigation in order

to make it suitable for this new development.

Architectural Expression

In keeping with the goals set by the executive committee, the develop-

ment of the architecture proceeded along two aims:

• The architecture must celebrate citizenship in Pueblo County, tying

Todd Orr, AIA

Principal,

DLR Group