Nashville/Davidson County Courts Complex - Historic Restoration and Expansion

When the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County needed a trusted partner to serve as adjunct staff and help manage its complex capital improvement projects, it tapped Heery International.  While Heery has worked on a wide range of projects of varying size and scope, one particular emphasis of the assignment was the renovation and addition to the criminal and civil justice facilities of the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Courthouse Complex, as well as replacement of the adjacent above-ground parking with an award-winning underground parking deck topped with a green plaza.   The $145 million project encompassed restoration of the historic Metropolitan Courthouse, an art deco building originally constructed in 1936; construction of the new Justice A.A. Birch Building; and renovations to the historic Ben West Municipal Building.  

The historic preservation of the 270,400 SF, 11-story historic Metropolitan Courthouse was a primary focus of the restoration and renovation efforts. Lobby areas, courtrooms and a central stairway were re-built or restored to their original luster. Other improvements include modern security enhancements, such as new secure elevators and stairways for judges and for the mayor, and new offices for administrative and other staff functions.

In addition to overseeing the construction of the Justice A.A. Birch Building and restoration of the historic Metropolitan Courthouse, Heery also led the restoration efforts for the Ben West Building, a beloved historic red brick structure that once served as a cattle barn, and for the award-winning public square that is a model of urban green space design. This lush public plaza, which is built over a 1,200 space, five-level parking deck that was also completed as part of the renovations, was designed to complement the courthouse complex and to provide the public and staff with an inviting place to congregate at the city’s historic center. The square, which received an award and high praise from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, features a central lawn, fountains and reflecting pools, gardens, public art and vibrant plantings and landscaping.

A critical phase of the renovation and restoration project was transitioning 600 employees, including judges, the courts, the mayor and other staff, to and from interim quarters. Heery planned for the moves to occur in an efficient, streamlined manner, so that occupants moved only twice (out and then back in), which is the least number of times possible.  Heery then oversaw construction of temporary courts and managed the moves into temporary spaces so that the judicial process would not be impeded by renovations.

Heery worked closely with the client to deliver a complex that remains a repository of the past, while also accommodating the needs of the present and future.