- Work begins on building at the core of restoration of Judiciary Square -  

  WASHINGTON, DC – The DC Courts awarded a contract to Hensel Phelps Construction Company for the renovation of the historic ‘Old Courthouse’ at 451 Indiana Avenue, NW which will have a new, universally accessible grand entrance at 430 E Street   Daniel Webster and Francis Scott Key practiced law in the building, and John Surratt was tried in the courthouse for his part in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.  The courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an official project of Save America's Treasures.  The renovated building will be restored to its original use as a courthouse and will house the DC Court of Appeals, beginning in November 2008.  The Court of Appeals relocation will free-up much-needed space within the Moultrie Courthouse at 500 Indiana Avenue, which currently houses both of the District of Columbia courts.  

The Courts have issued a ‘notice to proceed’ to Hensel Phelps with a firm fixed price value of $99 million.  The project includes the addition of a new glass enclosed entrance on the north face of the building; new windows; exterior masonry repair work; associated site, landscaping, mechanical, plumbing, electrical work, some demolition and construction of a new ceremonial courtroom underground.  

“I am very pleased that the renovation of the Old Courthouse has begun.  This architectural gem will be the centerpiece of a restored Judiciary Square, of which all DC residents and visitors to the nation’s capital will be proud.  The new building will provide a beautiful home for the Court of Appeals and will be a fitting symbol of the significance of the judicial branch of government in the District of Columbia,” said Chief Judge Eric T. Washington of the DC Court of Appeals.  “We appreciate the support we have received from the Commission on Fine Arts, the National Capital Planning Commission, the Historic Preservation Review Board, and especially for the financial support from Congress and the President, that enabled us to move forward with this vital project.” 
 
 Old Courthouse Contract Release March 24, 2006 
 
 
The Old DC Courthouse, which dates from 1821, is the fourth oldest public building in the District of Columbia.  The renovation of the Old Courthouse was designed by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP, known for their renovation of Grand Central Station and Ellis Island Museum in New York.  The restored and expanded courthouse will meet the needs of the Courts, restore the glory of a historic landmark, and stimulate neighborhood economic activity. 
 
Hensel Phelps Construction Company was founded in Greeley, Colorado in 1937.  A financially strong corporation with 5A2 Dunn & Bradstreet rating, Hensel Phelps is consistently rated as among the top general contractors and construction managers in the nation by Engineering News Record and is currently rated number 10 by volume.  The Corporation is employee-owned with primary shareholders in management positions within each of the eight district offices.  Hensel Phelps is an industry leader in the successful delivery of projects for the Federal government, as well as state and local governments throughout the nation.  Hensel Phelps is currently completing the restoration of the Old Patent Office, another historically significant DC landmark. 
 
The Old DC Courthouse, which dates from 1821, is the fourth oldest public building in the District of Columbia.  It is the centerpiece of Judiciary Square and one of the original, historic green spaces identified in Pierre L’Enfant’s plan for the Nation’s Capital.  The expansion and renovation of the Old DC Courthouse for the highest court of the District of Columbia will provide much-needed space for the DC Courts while imparting new life to one of the most significant historic buildings and green spaces in Washington, DC