Howard M. Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse: Linking Historic Preservation and Sustainability
General Services Administration
Public Buildings Service Great Lakes Region
“GSA’s objective is to modernize the building and make it fully functional and equipped to serve well into its second century. At the same time, we want to preserve its remarkable art and architecture for future generations to enjoy.” (Pam Wilczynski, Project Manager, GSA Great Lakes Region)
The $51 million rehabilitation of the Howard M. Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse—a national treasure and one of the most significant buildings in Cleveland—is an exemplary model of real property innovation in its linking of historic preservation with sustainability.
One of the first historic rehabilitation projects to receive LEED-NC certification in Ohio, and setting a new standard of achievement in linking historic preservation and LEED certification, the Metzenbaum US. Courthouse represents a groundbreaking approach that integrates sustainability preservation and correlates Leadership in Energy arid Environmental Design (LEED) certification criteria with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties.
Under the Design Excellence, Fine Arts and Historic Preservation programs, the GSA and its team of architect/engineer Westlake Reed Leskosky and construction manager Dick Corporation, rehabilitated this landmark to meet new requirements for sustainability, function, accessibility, and security, while restoring its magnificent architecture, art and craftsmanship as the dignified expression of the federal government in its community.
The project required close coordination with the Historic Preservation Officer for GSA’s Region 5, and formal review and approval of the plans by the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office. Additionally at the design stage, the Cleveland Landmarks Commission and the Cleveland Restoration Society were given an overview of the project and provided significant positive feedback.
Beginning in 2002, the Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse was renovated to house the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts with four new courtrooms, chambers and support areas. The District Courts remain in the two restored historic courtrooms on the third floor. Other executive agencies, including the U.S. Trustees and Department of Labor, occupy the fourth and fifth floors in new offices, conference and meeting rooms.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the 235,600-square-foot building was designed by architect Arnold Brunner in the Beaux Arts style and opened in 1910 as the U.S. Post Office, Custom House and Court House. Brunner’s commission, selected in competition in 1901, is historically significant in the context of the emerging City Beautiful Movement, and was the first building erected in Cleveland’s Group Plan at the turn of the century; setting the style and scale of later civic buildings in the city’s downtown core.
Adjacent to Public Square, the Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse serves as a key element in anchoring the economic revival of the Group Plan (deemed potentially eligible for National Historic Landmark status) and Cleveland’s downtown, and in preserving the unique sense of place for the city.
Contact:
Regina Nally Kiefer, Regional Historic Preservation Officer
GSA PBS Region 5
Professional Services Division
regina.nally@gsa.gov
