Since a recent tour of the soon-to-be-completed Bronx Criminal Court Complex, designed by noted architect Rafael Vinoly, Steven Holl wonders if he can create something as impressive in Denver.
Chosen in December as the design architect for a new courthouse that will be part of a $378 million downtown justice center, Holl worries that the budget will not be enough to create a building of similar quality.
The price tag for the structure, funded by a bond issue approved by voters in the spring of 2005, has been pegged at $127 million or $115 million, if infrastructure costs, such as sewers and utility lines, are subtracted.
“I’m excited to make an exemplary work of architecture for the city,” Holl said, “but they have to be realistic, that if they want to be making a comparable justice building, we should really make the number (cost) per square feet comparable, because that’s the only way we can achieve that kind of (qualitative) comparability.”
During a recent interview in Kansas City, Holl even issued a plea to Denver philanthropists to help with the project, suggesting that parts of the building, such as a fountain or public garden, could be named for private donors.
“I’m hoping that a few God-fearing citizens, people who want to lend their name to various parts of the project, might come forth,” he said.
James Mejía, the justice center’s project manager, said he is confident the city will be able to achieve a high-caliber courthouse with the existing budget.
“Not only do I believe that,” he said, “but when they (Holl and his staff) looked at the budget, and they had that budget figure when they interviewed for the job, they told me they could build an exemplary courthouse and a work of art for the budget we had laid out.”
Although these takes on the cost seem in conflict, Mejía and Chris McVoy, a senior partner at Steven Holl Architects, said such competing notions are part of the normal give and take during the “programming phase” of any project.
Everyone involved in the courthouse, from the judges to the architects, are wrestling over the building’s configuration and the money’s allotment.
“I think Steven’s point is correct,” McVoy said, who was asked by city officials to clarify Holl’s comments. “We need to have a budget that is comparable to the Bronx courthouse. I think the budget they have defined for the project will allow that to happen.
“But it takes a lot of work to balance out the program. For example, we want to make sure the courtrooms are excellent spaces and have a proper budget, but, then, the parking you do cheap or back-of-house spaces are less expensive.”
Mejía said raising private funds, as the city did to help underwrite the $92 million Ellie Caulkins Opera House, would require City Council approval and isn’t possible at this time.
“What I hear from Steven is: He is an architect who wants to push the boundaries and wants a bigger budget,” he said. “Well, wouldn’t we all?
“I’m not going to say that his plea to Denver citizens is going to fall on deaf ears, but we made a plea to Denver citizens and made our case. And that’s a conversation we’ll have to take up with Steven.”
