Schwartz/Silver designed a renovation and expansion of the Toledo U.S. Courthouse project for the GSA. The project included a 94,000 square foot courthouse annex and full renovations of the existing courthouse, which is part of a Beaux Arts Civic Mall in downtown Toledo.

The design requires continued operation of the existing 1930 courthouse until the annex is complete. The addition will contain four new courtrooms, judicial chambers, and U.S. Marshall’s Service operations. When the annex is complete, the existing building will be fully renovated including the restoration of two historic courtrooms. The concept design of the annex features a geometric glass structure that sits atop a raised base. This structure celebrates the glass manufacturing heritage of Toledo, and also maximizes natural daylight, views, and visual connection to the Civic Center Mall.

The renovations to the existing courthouse will modify and restore the building to make it fully functional for the long term, including upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems, elevator modernization, accessibility upgrades, tenant improvements, and facade repairs. Schwartz/Silver collaborated with Schooley Caldwell, an Ohio firm, and CGL, a courts planner, to develop a program that included courtroom sharing, collegiate judicial chambers, and consolidated public services to improve efficiency and utilization. The project was designed to achieve SITES Certification and LEED V4 Gold Certification.