Nathan Deal Judicial Center
Atlanta
Award of Merit

Owner: Georgia State Finance and Investment Commission
Lead Design Firm: Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLP
Contractor: Gilbane Building Co.
Structural/MEP Engineer: Stevens-Wilkinson

Built on the site of the former Georgia Archives building, known as the White Cube, the $113-million Nathan Deal Judicial Center provides a six-story facility a few blocks away from the former historic complex. Before construction began, Gilbane Building Co. had to implode the existing 14-story marble archive building, which had been on the 5.4-acre site since 1965. Some of the structure’s marble was salvaged and reused in the new judicial complex. During preconstruction, the Gilbane team identified approximately 600 items to address, preventing numerous RFIs and change orders during construction. That effort resulted in more than $300,000 in cost savings, says the contractor. Although nearly $3 million in additional asbestos abatement work was identified during demolition, the team was able to absorb the added cost into the existing budget without cutting project scope. The 224,000-sq-ft complex, which was delivered on time and on budget, comprises two courtrooms, public lobbies, chambers for justices and judges, offices and meeting rooms, support spaces for staff and secure underground parking.

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