DCAS | Kings County Courts Brooklyn
Client
Department of Citywide Administrative Services
Architect
Stantec
Completion
2025
BUILDING RESTORATION AND MODERNIZATION
Built in 1924, this landmark building, also known as the Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg Municipal Building, is in the heart of Brooklyn. At 15 stories and 550,000 sq. ft., this fully occupied building serves as a critical civic hub, housing a wide range of courtrooms, including 18 housing courts and 16 civil courts, as well as numerous public agencies. Amongst the larger of these tenants are the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Buildings (DOB), the Department of Finance (DOF), and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services Police (DCAS) offices.
The project
This project is executed in clearly defined phases, with each phase involving the temporary relocation of tenants to allow for a full gut renovation of the vacated floors. The work will continue sequentially until all 13 floors are modernized. Additionally, the project includes extensive upgrades to the building's mechanical systems located in the cellar, as well as on the 14th and 15th floors.
The development
Each floor undergoes a complete interior demolition, removing all architectural finishes and partition walls. New overhead and riser roughing are installed, followed by framing and customized finishes tailored to support the specific programmatic needs of each space.
The 34 courtrooms feature full sound attenuation through acoustic panels and secondary glazing at the exterior windows. Each courtroom is outfitted with high-end, judicial-style woodwork, custom judges’ benches, and handcrafted wood spectator seating. Raised floors with carpeting are used to house all data wiring and ensure alignment with the courtroom’s layout and design requirements.
This building remains partially occupied throughout the construction process without any interruption to heating, cooling, water, and electrical service via the use of temporary boilers and chillers connected to both new and existing distribution systems. The coordination is carefully planned and various work shifts are utilized to ensure no interruption or disruption of the active services at each phase. To ensure seamless operations, tenant relocations are phased, either to alternate floors or neighboring facilities. This includes the meticulous transfer of furniture, equipment, and services.
CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT
Upon completion, the Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Municipal Building will be fully modernized and reoccupied, with all tenants returning to state-of-the-art facilities designed for efficiency, performance, and comfort. The project is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification (ID+C), demonstrating a commitment to sustainable, high-performance design and construction.
