C. B. King Federal Courthouse opens - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

C. B. King Federal Courthouse opens

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August 7, 2002

Albany's new federal courthouse opens its doors to the public. The C. B. King Courthouse was finished years behind schedule, but the project came in under budget.

Construction began on the $13,000,000 Federal courthouse in 1997. Wednes day, architects led a tour through the 3-story facility.

When you walk through he doors of the new courthouse on the corner of Broad and Washington, you're met by U.S. Marshals and a metal detector. Security is tight and this tour was restricted to only three areas of the building.

All public business starts in the three story rotunda. And, the seal of the court is in the center of the room's floor.

"We wanted the rotunda to be striking from both the inside and the outside of the building," said architect Jeffery Robinson.

Architects from J.W. Robinson and Associates say carpeting, crown molding, and other design techniques show the significance of room, whether its the waiting area or the courtroom.

Chief Judge Louis Sands helped design the courtroom, choosing the carpet. And, traditional black leather chair and sturdy wood benches hide the technology needed in court.

"We have all the latest technology," said Sands. "We have Internet access, DVD players, cameras, and projection screens."

Outside, Indiana Limestone and Belden Brick form the walls of the 84,000 square foot building. The Rotunda Dome is made of copper, as are the copper wings designed by Tom Askin that are placed on each side of the dome.

Today's open house comes after years of obstacles. Subcontractor problems, slow material delivery, and design changes delayed the project for more than 3 years. But,  the project came in $300,000 under budget.

You can take you own tour of the new C.B. King courthouse, but bring your I.D. And remember much of the courthouse is off limits to the general public.