Author: Tim McManus

Moore-Miller Administration, Maryland Judiciary Break Ground on New Maryland Supreme Court 

Posted on by Tim McManus

Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Secretary Atif Chaudhry, the Department of General Services (DGS), Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader, Appellate Court of Maryland Chief Judge Gregory Wells, and Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) recently gathered to break ground on Maryland’s new, state-of-the-art Supreme Court building. The ceremony, attended by more than 100 guests, marks a significant milestone in a project nearly a decade in the making. It is also the only state supreme court currently under construction anywhere in the nation. 

With the groundbreaking complete, Bethesda-based CWC will immediately begin construction. The project is expected to be completed within approximately 36 months at an estimated total cost of $147 million. The six-story, 217,000-square-foot facility, designed by Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, will serve as the home of both the Supreme Court of Maryland and the Appellate Court of Maryland. 

Designed as a fully electric building, the new courthouse will operate without fossil fuels and is targeted to achieve LEED Silver certification, underscoring the state’s commitment to sustainability. The facility will also feature enhanced security and life-safety systems to safeguard judges, staff, and visitors. The project surpasses Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) participation goals, achieving 40.27 percent and 10.07 percent respectively — representing approximately $73.9 million in subcontracting value. 

“Today is not just about what we’re building, it’s about who we’re building it for—the Marylanders who serve at our state’s Supreme Court and Appellate Court,” said Gov. Moore. “The Marylanders who will work here are public servants in the truest sense of that title, and the space and place where they work must reflect the ambitions we want to see in our judicial system. While most of our citizens will never step foot in this building, every Marylander will feel the impact of the decisions made inside it, which is why this generational investment matters.” 

“This new Maryland Supreme Court will stand as a symbol of fairness, transparency, and equal access under the law,” said Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. “By building a fully electric, sustainable facility that exceeds our minority and veteran-owned business participation goals, we are showing that progress and equity can go hand in hand. I am proud to join Governor Moore and our partners in delivering a courthouse that reflects our values and will serve Marylanders for generations to come.” 

“This groundbreaking represents a proud milestone for our entire team as we take a significant step toward realizing a truly generational project,” said DGS Secretary Atif Chaudhry. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering a state-of-the-art, environmentally responsible facility that will serve Marylanders for decades to come. I am deeply grateful to our dedicated DGS team and our partners, whose collaboration over the past several years has moved this vision from concept to reality—while advancing our shared priorities of sustainability and expanding opportunities for minority- and veteran-owned businesses.” 

“The new home for Maryland’s appellate courts and the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library will stand as an appropriate reflection of the State’s commitment to the rule of law and to equal justice under law. It will serve the people of Maryland for generations to come. We appreciate the support of the Governor’s Office, the Maryland Department of General Services, and the General Assembly in making today’s groundbreaking a reality,” said Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader. “We look forward to the opening of the new courthouse as we continue to pursue the Judiciary’s mission of providing fair, efficient, and effective justice for all.” 

“The Maryland Judiciary is committed to providing the best possible service to all users of our court system,” said Appellate Court of Maryland Chief Judge Gregory Wells. “The new Supreme Court of Maryland building will stand as a testament to the strength of our judicial system and to our duty to ensure that justice remains fair, impartial, and accessible to all.” 

“It is an honor to partner once again with the State of Maryland and Maryland DGS on a project of this magnitude and significance,” said Greg Harraka, President, Coakley & Williams Construction. “Our CWC team is proud to help deliver a Supreme Court building that reflects the strength, integrity, and future of Maryland’s judicial system.” 

“The new Maryland Supreme Court was designed with the goal of creating a civic landmark that reflects the strength, transparency and values of the state’s judicial system,” said Steve White, Principal for Fentress Studios, a Populous Company. “This project allowed us to combine timeless design with fully electric, sustainable systems and advanced safety features to deliver a courthouse that will serve the people of Maryland for decades to come.”

Design Meets Community Impact: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center Honored by NAIOP Colorado

Posted on by Tim McManus

Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, is proud to announce that the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for the Healing Arts was recognized with the 2026 Colorado Commercial Real Estate Honors’ Community Impact Award, part of the next evolution of NAIOP Colorado’s longstanding Awards of Achievement program. NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is an organization dedicated to commercial real estate knowledge, networking and advocacy. The honor celebrates outstanding contributions to Colorado’s built environment and recognizes projects that exemplify excellence in design, community impact and innovation. 

The expansion for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance stands as a transformative addition to Denver’s arts and wellness landscape. Building on the organization’s 55-year legacy, the expanded facility was designed to blend historic and contemporary architectural elements, reflecting the cultural richness of the surrounding Five Points neighborhood while providing modern, state-of-the-art amenities. The Center, built adjacent to the historic Shorter AME Church, includes four new dance studios, a flexible performance theater, a sunlit lobby and café and enhanced administrative and educational spaces that support expanded Arts-In-Education and Arts-In-Wellness programming. 

“This recognition from NAIOP Colorado affirms the power of architecture to strengthen communities,” said Curt Fentress, Senior Principal and Head of Fentress Studios, a Populous Company. “Our vision for the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for Healing Arts was to create a space where dance and performance connect neighborhoods, generations and ideas. It is an honor to see the project acknowledged among Colorado’s most impactful commercial developments.” 

Leaders at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance emphasized the significance of the recognition in elevating arts-centered development within the broader commercial real estate community by crafting spaces that foster collaboration, healing, education and performance. 

The Colorado Commercial Real Estate Honors program celebrates projects and leaders shaping the future of the industry across the state. By recognizing the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for the Healing Arts, NAIOP Colorado underscores the evolving role of cultural infrastructure as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization, economic growth and inclusive community development. 

For more on the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for the Healing Arts, click here. 

Fentress Studios-Designed Huntsville U.S. Courthouse Hosts Dedication Ceremony

Posted on by Tim McManus

The new Huntsville U.S. Courthouse, a prominent civic landmark in Huntsville’s historic downtown designed by Fentress Studios, a Populous company, held its official dedication on February 13, 2026. The three-story courthouse, featuring five courtrooms and six judges’ chambers, will serve the federal judicial needs of the Northern District of Alabama.

Situated on a five-acre property, the 123,000-square-foot courthouse provides dedicated spaces for key federal agencies, including the U.S. District Court, U.S. Magistrate Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, associated Clerks, U.S. Marshals Service, Senator’s Office, U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), ensuring a functional and efficient environment for justice and governance in the region.

Liles C. Burke, U.S. District Judge, said:

“The timeless design of our new courthouse embodies the values of U.S. Courts and symbolizes the importance and permanence of the third branch of government. We are very pleased with the work of Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, in producing a world-class building.”

The design is rooted in neoclassical style and organizational principles that represent the stability and permanence of the courts, while integrating modern features and comprehensive sustainability strategies. The Design Build team included Brasfield & Gorrie with the S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM) as the Architect of Record.

“We appreciate Chief Judge Burke, Senior District Judge Smith, and the GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst’s passion for great architecture that drove our team to achieve design excellence at every step of the process,” said Steve White, Principal for Fentress Studios, a Populous Company. “Together, we created a courthouse that honors the judiciary, serves the community and stands as a civic anchor in Huntsville.”

The limestone-clad Roman Doric design features an entryway flanked by gently arcing symmetrical wings and two staircases. The courtrooms are in a linear arrangement with a central atrium, featuring a historic mural from 1929 by Xavier Gonzalez, an artist whose murals have been featured in Huntsville courtrooms for nearly a century. The GSA’s Art-In-Architecture program, which oversees the commissioning of artworks for U.S. federal buildings to ensure a lasting cultural legacy for the American people, curated murals by local artist Caleb O’Connor for each courtroom, depicting life in Northern Alabama.

The courthouse features modern technology like state-of-the-art security systems while energy-efficient design measures deliver a LEED Gold and SITES Silver certifiable building. Advanced technology systems streamline operations, supporting the courthouse’s function in a digital age.

“The project required strong collaboration between all partners in executing the thoughtful design and complex technical and regulatory requirements of the new Huntsville U.S. Courthouse,” said Doug Kleppin, Principal of SLAM. “Together with Brasfield & Gorrie and every firm involved, we have delivered a building that is classical in style, but advanced in its execution and performance, and above all, respectful of the judiciary it serves.”

The U.S. Courthouse is located at 660 Gallatin Street SW, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Addition Debuts to Denver’s Arts and Healing Community 

Posted on by Tim McManus

Building on its 55-year legacy, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for the Healing Arts has unveiled a thoughtfully designed Creative Campus expansion in Denver, Colorado that elevates how dance, community and healing come together. The new facility features purpose-built dance studios, a flexible theater and modern community spaces designed to foster creativity, collaboration, healing and education in arts and wellness. 

“The Cleo Parker Robinson Center for Healing Arts will serve as the cultural heartbeat for Denver entertainment. Our vision was to design a space where dance and performance connect neighborhoods, generations and ideas. Cleo’s work in the community and educating children inspired us to create a place that invites collaboration and learning and celebrates diversity. The new Cleo Parker Robinson Center for Healing Arts will build community through dance and education and ensure that creativity and the arts continue to have a positive impact on our community,” said Curt Fentress, Senior Principal and Head of Fentress Studios, a Populous Company. 

On Saturday, January 17th, an official ribbon cutting ceremony took place for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. The newly expanded facility, designed by Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, and built by Mortenson, is fully operational and ready to serve its mission. 

“The brilliant architectural design of Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, and choreography of our Mortenson contracting team transformed a vision into four new dance studios, a flex-space theatre with state-of-the-art technology, a sunlit lobby and café, and modern administrative spaces for us to expand our Academy, develop additional Arts-In-Education and Arts-In-Wellness programming. We invite the community to utilize our spaces, to incubate ideas, and elevate the creativity of Denver to an even higher level, benefitting us all,” said Malik Robinson, President and CEO at Cleo Parker Robinson. 

The project’s architectural vision emphasizes community connection, cultural celebration and inclusivity—blending historic and contemporary design to create a vibrant cultural hub in Denver. Leaders and partners alike highlight the center’s role as a unifying force for dance, education and community engagement, inviting everyone to participate and elevate Denver’s creative spirit. 

Huntsville U.S. Courthouse Awarded Best Government/Public Building by ENR Texas & Southeast

Posted on by Tim McManus

Excerpt: Located in Huntsville’s central business district, the $95-million, 123,000-sq-ft courthouse features a symmetrical plan with arcing wings flanking a pedimented entry portico as well as a formal public lawn framed by structured landscaping, offering open views and enhancing its dignified presence.

The building’s five courtrooms, jury deliberation rooms and chambers for assigned and visiting judges incorporate high-performance acoustic standards. Along with offices for clerks, juries and administrative staff, the U.S. Marshals Service occupies a secure suite with detention cells, weapons vault and fitness room.

Read the full story | Learn more about our Civic + Judicial projects

DEN’s Latest Temporary Art Exhibition Pays Homage to the Essence of the Rocky Mountains via Ready-to-Wear Fashion

Posted on by Tim McManus

Denver International Airport’s (DEN) latest temporary art exhibition, Rocky Mountain Reverie: Fashioning the Spirit of the High Country, is a fashion journey that pays homage to the multifaceted essence of the Rocky Mountains. Local firms that work in the built environment (i.e. interior design, construction, furniture dealerships and student groups) are paired with manufacturers to create the garments included in this exhibition.

Rocky Mountain Reverie: Fashioning the Spirit of the High Country was created in collaboration with the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Rocky Mountain Chapter, which hosts a fashion show called Prêt-À-Porter every other year in the Denver area. The selections on display at DEN are from the 2024 edition of this signature event. Where “finish meets fashion,” Prêt-À-Porter is Colorado’s main stage event for the culmination of architecture, design and inspiring ready-to-wear-fashion. 

This exhibition, on view now through January, is located in Ansbacher Hall on the A-Bridge. It is the first exhibition to be located where Bridge Security was previously located. The space, once a bustling checkpoint, has been transformed into an open, welcoming and calming location.

Additional images can be found here.

Maryland Department of General Services Seeking Construction Bids for New Supreme Court Building

Posted on by Tim McManus

Excerpts: The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) has announced the release of an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to construct a new Maryland Supreme Court building. 

This landmark project will be the only Supreme Court currently under construction in the U.S. and represents a significant investment in Maryland’s judicial infrastructure.

The building’s design is led by Fentress Architects with the aim of reaching or exceeding LEED Silver standards, and it will break new ground as Maryland’s first all-electric public building.

The five-story courthouse with underground parking will be built along Rowe Boulevard, just north of the Sweeney District Courthouse in Annapolis. Designed with both function and legacy in mind, the building will include 217,564 gross square feet of space. 

Read the full story | Learn more about our Civic + Judicial projects

Planning Meets Purpose at Albemarle County’s Modern New Courthouse in Virginia

Posted on by Tim McManus

Excerpts: Albemarle County’s newly opened courthouse in downtown Charlottesville marks a significant milestone in civic architecture and community planning. Located within historic Court Square, the modern facility replaces aging infrastructure dating back to 1762, addressing long-standing space, safety, and operational needs. A key feature of the project was the restoration of the Levy House, an 1860s Greek Revival landmark that has served as everything from a Civil War hospital to an opera house—now repurposed as the County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.

The courthouse project, designed by Fentress Studios, a Populous Company (who also served as court planner), officially launched in 2020 as a collaborative, two-phase effort with Albemarle County. Spanning several downtown sites, the new complex introduces nearly 80,000 square feet of functional space—including courtrooms, offices, and public areas—to meet the demands of a growing population and rising caseloads.

Fentress Studios guided the planning process through data analysis and stakeholder input, engaging judges, law enforcement, and court staff. Architecturally, the building marries practicality with modern aesthetics, featuring extensive glasswork to enhance daylight and public visibility.

More than just a facility upgrade, this courthouse stands as a symbol of civic progress—respecting its historic roots while embracing the evolving needs of the community it serves.

The new courthouse is actually Phase 1 of a two-phase project that is expected to reach full completion in 2027.  Justice Design News touched base with the highly esteemed Steven White, FAIA, LEED AP, studio director and senior principal with Fentress Studios, for some of the key details on this historic undertaking.

Read the full story | Learn more about our Civic + Judicial projects
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