Supreme Court recently began a modernization project to upgrade and replace building systems that have not been upgraded since the building opened in 1935. The first phase of the project will be the construction of an underground annex on the Maryland Avenue side of the building to provide necessary space for the Court Police Department - a function that was virtually non-existent when the building opened in 1935. Phase I construction is scheduled to begin July, 2003. The entire project is expected to be completed in 2008.
The Supreme Court building, unlike other buildings on Capitol Hill, has not been upgraded since its completion in 1935. At 68 years of age, virtually all of its building systems have far exceeded any reasonable life expectancy, and they require an aggressive daily maintenance schedule to continue operating. since 1935. standards. The Court has more than 400 employees and hosts more than 1,000,000 visitors each year.
In addition to the upgrade and replacement of building systems, some functions will move in order to provide more efficient use of space, better serve the public, or to comply with safety codes.
Phase I of the 5-year project will be the construction of a 2-story underground annex on the Maryland Avenue side of the building to provide necessary space for the Court Police ¨a function that was virtually non-existent when the building opened in 1935. Officers provide security for the Justices, Court employees, visitors, the building and grounds. Moreover, as the new mechanical equipment will occupy more space than our current equipment, part of the annex will be used to house functions displaced by that equipment. construction began July 2003 and is projected to be completed by July 2004. The fencing of the construction site and the installation of exterior acoustic windows will began in 2003.
Phase II of the project, the modernization of the building's 5 floors, is scheduled to begin in July 2004 and be completed in July 2008.
The total estimated cost of the project is $122 million. That includes all phases from study through design and construction.
Updates regarding the modernization project will be posted on the Court's Website under Public Information, Supreme Court Building Modernization Project.