Christopher S. Bond United States Courthouse

The $68 million Christopher S. Bond United State Courthouse was designed under the GSA’s Design Excellence Program. The design concept embraces the site on a scenic bluff top overlooking the Missouri River. Its prominence as a noble piece of civic architecture in the community makes it the cornerstone of a new public square. Its interiors reflect the overall stature of the facility, featuring high-end finishes and furnishings throughout the building.

SFS Architecture became involved with this project during pre-design. Under the firm’s IDIQ Contract for courts projects with GSA, SFS was tasked to complete an Environmental and Cultural Assessment. This assessment provided valuable insight regarding specific site planning issues related to the proposed site. Upon completion of the site analysis, the team of KMW Architecture and SFS was selected to design the new 118,000 square foot U.S. Courthouse.

Space requirements for the courthouse were based on information provided by U.S. Courts, U.S. Attorneys, U.S. Marshals and U.S. General Services Administration. These space requirements were verified with all agencies, and space adjacencies were developed within departments and the overall building.

3D modelling was utilized throughout the design phase to help judges understand courtroom design concepts. The most current technology was integrated for the judge, jury, spectators and attorneys. Accessibility was achieved for all participants in the court proceedings. Specifications required a courtroom mock-up built by the construction manager at risk.

Security requirements were coordinated with the Department of Justice, beginning at the perimeter of the site to the building entrance and all interior spaces. Within the courthouse, separate and secure circulation paths were defined for the judicial, staff, public and inmates.

The building is LEED Gold Certified.