New Haven County Courthouse

The State of Connecticut then decided, as a matter of convenience, to combine this scope with the scope developed by JCJ Architecture for the renovation of the remaining building exterior. Subsequently, JCJ Architecture retained Hoffmann Architects + Engineers to join the design team as building enclosure consultant for the full restoration project. Hoffmann updated the previous contract documents for incorporation into this larger and more comprehensive renovation project and assisted with construction administration services.

Beginning with elevated work on the courthouse facade, restoration was divided into two phases to minimize disruption. The first phase involved repair of marble facade and plaster soffit elements, including the replacement of select deteriorated column capitols, architrave elements, and masonry joints. In the second phase, the grand staircase at street level was removed due to deterioration and structural concerns and reconstructed with reinforced concrete and the existing granite stair treads.

As an essential facility in continuous operation, the courthouse demanded collaboration among project team members to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges and to develop strategies to restore historic masonry and fixtures without undue disruption. For this public building, prioritizing restoration needs over time was also essential to maximizing the available budget. Ensuring safe access to the facility while carrying out lasting, historically sensitive restoration required coordinated effort of the various craftspeople, construction team members, facility personnel, and design professionals. The result of this team effort is a renewed courthouse the New Haven Register extolls as “once again a jewel on the green.”