United States Courthouse
Team
Architect
NBBJ, w/U.S. District Court - Western District; PWP Landscape Architects
Contractor
Joint Venture of JA Jones/Absher
Stats
PROJECT TYPE
Civic
COMPLETION
2004
PROJECT SIZE
615,000 ft² / 1 block
MKA ROLE
Structural and Civil Engineer
Seattle, WA
United States Courthouse
Rising 23 stories above downtown, this building occupies an entire city block and includes 18 courtrooms and a two-level parking garage for 200 vehicles—all designed to meet exacting GSA Level C security provisions.
MKA successfully developed and implemented an innovative steel plate shear wall (SPSW) system, which has been proven (by GSA-sponsored testing) to be highly effective in dissipating seismic energy while resisting lateral forces. The SPSW system was 30% faster to construct, resulted in a 10% cost savings compared to traditional systems, and provided more useable space compared to other systems.
For the civil site design, MKA's scope included a one-acre plaza with landscape features such as birch trees, reflecting pools, public art, stormwater detention, and anti-ram elements such as benches, bollards, and walls. In addition, MKA coordinated with the Seattle Department of Transportation to design street improvements along four roadway frontages. 
United States Courthouse
Awards
Award of Merit - 2006 Region Design Awards - American Institute of Architects, Northwest and Pacific Region Chapter
Commendation - Honor Awards for Washington Architecture - American Institute of Architects, Seattle Chapter
GSA "Practically Perfect Project (PPP)" (on time, on budget, no lawsuits) - U.S. General Services Administration
Grand Award, New Building (Over $50 Million) - Construction Excellence Awards - Associated General Contractors of Washington
Grand Conceptor Award, Overall - Engineering Excellence Awards - American Council of Engineering Companies
Honor Award - Civic Design Awards 2005 - American Institute of Architects, Washington Chapter
Honorable Mention - 2004 Distinguished Project Awards - Northwest Construction Consumer Council
Platinum Award, Overall - Engineering Excellence Awards - American Council of Engineering Companies, Washington Chapter
Recipient, Special Achievement Award - U.S. General Services Administration
Top 25 Newsmakers (Kurt Nordquist) - Engineering News-Record
Winner, Charles Pankow Award for Innovation - Outstanding Projects and Leaders Awards - American Society of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering Research Foundation
Winner, Construction Honor Award - 2004 Design and Construction Excellence Awards Program - U.S. General Services Administration
