Denver County Justice Center

Denver, CO | Spring 2010

Project Manager: Mike Rypkema

Superintendents: Brian Jackson and Matt Bucholz

At $290 million, fifteen-hundred beds and a state-of-the-art controls system, the Denver County jail and courthouse was the largest let job in 2007. The two facilities, a six-story courthouse with 23 courtroorms and a five story jail with a mezzanine, are together domiciled on two city blocks.

Shortly after the inception of the project, Sierra was asked by general contractor, Hensel Phelps, to contribute to the design/build effort. This collaboration produced vendor partnerships with Trussbilt, Chief Industries, Habersham Metal Products, Global Security Glazing, SouthernFolger and Hope's Windows Inc.

The great task between all companies involved was to adhere to the GC's guaranteed maximum price. Each firm met challenges at different points in the project - some earlier in the project over schedules and incomplete plans, some later in the project over design changes.  However, through accessibility to information and open communication between all architects, consultants, general contractors, sub-contractors and vendors, challenges did not develop into problems and the project carries on consistently ahead of schedule.

The project is set for completion in early 2010.