Justice center is impressive but also a little puzzling
| July 6, 2009 | 12:12 PM
More journal entries from Tillie Fong »
I was curious to see how much work had been done on the new Denver Justice Center, especially after all the hue and cry this year about what to name different parts of it, and reading about the squabbles over the design work. There was also a more personal connection — the new jail is built over the former site of the Rocky Mountain News.
I was rather impressed by both the jail and the courthouse but did notice some things that made me wonder if features got cut because of budget concerns.
Regarding the jail: The pod of cells that I saw looked almost cheerful, with white walls and blue doors. I guess I was expecting something dark and gloomy. I’m not saying I would ever want to STAY in one of the cells — it’s not THAT homey — but still . . .
Also, one thing that Dick Gillet, project manager for the justice center, mentioned was that food for the inmates would be prepared at a new and improved kitchen at the Denver County Jail on Smith Road. The kitchen at the new jail would pretty much only reheat stuff.
So, why build a state-of-the-art jail with a small kitchen? Maybe it’s because there are more inmates at the Denver County Jail and it’s just easier to make things in bulk in one place and transport it. But having to transport food every day doesn’t sound very energy-efficient to me.
Speaking of being green, I asked about how energy-efficient the two buildings are and was told that they are certified to a high level. But there won’t be any solar panels on the roofs. In fact, there may not be anything on the roofs, even though I’m pretty sure the original design called for low-water plantings up there.
Grant Lebahn, the project executive with Hensel Phelps Construction Co., mentioned that a press room might be created on the terrace of the court building, with part of the city skyline in the background for the TV folks.
Over at the courthouse, I was struck by the imposing look of the entrance to each courtroom — the big slabs of limestone make it seem like you’re entering someplace secret. Inside with the door closed, you can’t see where the door is. It blends in with the walls, which is kind of neat but also a bit disturbing — as if you’re trapped inside and can’t get out. Was that deliberate?
The large circle cut in courtroom ceilings for lights is also supposed to help with acoustics — no more straining to hear what people are saying. But despite all this high-tech design, I didn’t see any built-in computer or TV screens, which could be used to display photos or exhibits during trials.
I asked about that and was told that a mobile unit would be available for use. Which leads me to wonder: How many of these “mobile units” will the courthouse have? Do attorneys have to check one out?
I look forward to seeing everything finished. Just not sure when that will be, since the timeline keeps changing.
