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Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. - Michigan

Previously housed in smaller, separate facilities, all county court functions and court-related operations of the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, and other county offices now have a common home in this 13-story justice complex. Features - Two parallelogram towers, one 13 stories and one 12 stories - A patterned brick facade with champagne-colored glass; and an aluminum-and-granite-clad main entrance - Security features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and cameras monitoring activity inside and out, large rolling metal doors to lock down the building in the event of an emergency, high-security construction in prisoner court holding areas, and ten elevators, three of which are secured. - The courthouse contains more than 75,000 feet of copper piping, 44 miles of conduit and 194 miles of wiring. Each floor is equipped with four television monitors to display the day’s docket. - The basement level includes 40 parking spaces

Van Haren Electric Inc

Electrical Contract: $4,340,000

Year Completed: 2003

CM/GC: Owen Ames Kimball

Acoustics By Design

After the Kent County Courthouse was commissioned, it was obvious that noise levels coming from the mechanical rooms were a problem. Unacceptable levels of noise and vibration were emitting from the loud chillers and steam pipe system into the courtrooms above and below.  And since the facility was already in use, a solution was needed quickly.

Acoustics By Design was brought in to take measurements of background noise levels as well as mechanical system noise from the centrifugal and absorption chillers, as well as the steam prv station.  The data indicated several problems with structure-borne and air-borne noise issues. A detailed analysis was made and recommendations were given for noise isolation and mechanical noise control.  Our professional engineers developed a final report that was both solvent and cost effective for bringing the noise problems to an end.  Case closed!

Pleune Service Company

Install building controls

D.C. Byers Company/Grand Rapids, Inc.

Previously housed in smaller, separate facilities, all county court functions and court-related operations of the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, and other county offices now have a common home in this 13-story justice complex. Features - Two parallelogram towers, one 13 stories and one 12 stories - A patterned brick facade with champagne-colored glass; and an aluminum-and-granite-clad main entrance - Security features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and cameras monitoring activity inside and out, large rolling metal doors to lock down the building in the event of an emergency, high-security construction in prisoner court holding areas, and ten elevators, three of which are secured. - The courthouse contains more than 75,000 feet of copper piping, 44 miles of conduit and 194 miles of wiring. Each floor is equipped with four television monitors to display the day’s docket. - The basement level includes 40 parking spaces

Pioneer Construction

Structural Steel Erection for the Kent County Courthouse in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. 3,300 tons of steel was used.