William J. Nealon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
General Services Administration, Scranton, Pennsylvania
Photo: Matt Wargo Photography
Photo: M. Thomas Arch. Photo.
Photo: Matt Wargo Photography
The Federal Judiciary and the General Services Administration have underaken a nationwide program to modernize and expand courthouse infrastructure. A state-of-the-art Federal courthouse must deal effectively with complex and contradictory requirements. It should reflect both local context and national values, while openly welcoming users. These humane qualities must coexist within a system of extraordinary security and technical support. Efficient Federal Marshals' operations, isolated circulation, and dignified but secure public access are crucial. Exceptional acoustic, lighting, communication and ADA systems are required for trials.
The $34 million Scranton Federal Courthouse is a prototypical project, among the first Federal Courthouses in its size category to deal simultaneously with historic restoration and new construction. A skylit atrium joins the new building to the historic structure to create a focus of public circulation for the complex. The atrium creates a major civic space while minimizing changes to the historic fabric. Careful linking through discretely placed bridges provides a comprehensive approach to secure and separate circulation systems between the two structures.
Fronting on Scranton's Courthouse Square and its Romanesque county courthouse, the historic Federal Building receives a great deal of internal traffic, particularly to access its postal facilities.The Courts wished to continue easy Post Office access through the existing lobby to reinforce the community's sense of civic ownership and participation. This was achieved by extending the historic lobby into the new building and using the two lobbies as queuing space for the secure entrance into the new atrium and the courts beyond.
The $34 million Scranton Federal Courthouse is a prototypical project, among the first Federal Courthouses in its size category to deal simultaneously with historic restoration and new construction. A skylit atrium joins the new building to the historic structure to create a focus of public circulation for the complex. The atrium creates a major civic space while minimizing changes to the historic fabric. Careful linking through discretely placed bridges provides a comprehensive approach to secure and separate circulation systems between the two structures.
Fronting on Scranton's Courthouse Square and its Romanesque county courthouse, the historic Federal Building receives a great deal of internal traffic, particularly to access its postal facilities.The Courts wished to continue easy Post Office access through the existing lobby to reinforce the community's sense of civic ownership and participation. This was achieved by extending the historic lobby into the new building and using the two lobbies as queuing space for the secure entrance into the new atrium and the courts beyond.
Awards
2001
Award of Excellence
AIA Northeastern Pennsylvania
AIA Northeastern Pennsylvania
2001
National Award, I.D.E.A.S. Competition
American Institute of Steel Construction
American Institute of Steel Construction
2000
Merit Award for Design
AIA Pennsylvania
AIA Pennsylvania
2000
Citation
U.S. General Services Administration, 2000 GSA Design Awards
U.S. General Services Administration, 2000 GSA Design Awards
2000
Tucker Architectural Design Award
Building Stone Institute
Building Stone Institute
1999
Community Award
Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Scranton Chamber of Commerce
1998
Citation
U.S. General Services Administration, 1998 GSA Design Awards
U.S. General Services Administration, 1998 GSA Design Awards
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