The $42-million modernization and renovation effort of the Robert Smith Vance Federal Courthouse—originally built in 1921—aimed to remediate and solve moisture-intrusion problems in the structure’s basement. The team also converted the structure into a high-performance green building that retains its historical character. Working in concert with the Alabama State Historical Commission, contractors updated the building to LEED Gold standards, in part by installing low-energy lighting, a 60,000-gallon cistern for grey water recycling and by replacing the historical front windows with energy-efficient and blast-resistant units.

Robert Smith Vance Federal Courthouse Modernization

Birmingham, Ala.

Key Players
Owner General Services Administration Region 4
Lead Design Firm Quinn Evans Architects
Contractor Hill International Inc.
Structural Engineer Hoar Christman JV
MEP Engineer HHB Engineers