U.S. General Services Administration
GSA PBS Commissioner Nina Albert Joins Federal and Local Leaders for Groundbreaking of Construction Projects at Courthouse in Toledo, Ohio
Renovations of the historic Ashley U.S. Courthouse begin this summer
TOLEDO, OHIO — Officials from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Public Building Service (PBS) Commissioner Nina Albert, U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, U.S. Congressman Robert Latta and Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz gathered on July 15 for a groundbreaking ceremony for the historic Ashley U.S. Courthouse, which will be modernized and expanded with an annex.
"This project groundbreaking marks the beginning of the end of the court's 20-year quest to provide a safe, inviting, and dignified setting for the people of Northwest Ohio, and as well for the court's employees in carrying out our mission to adjudicate grievances, enforce the rule of law, and celebrate and welcome our new citizens," said Judge Jeffrey Helmick. "The project marks another important chapter in the U.S. Court's successful ongoing partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration in delivering facilities appropriate to the court's mission and befitting the Third Branch."
General project details:
- The annex will house the U.S. District Court and U.S. Marshal Service. The modernized Ashley building will house the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Probation Pretrial, GSA and other agencies.
- Annex construction is set to be completed by Spring 2023.
- Ashley Courthouse renovation is set to be completed by Fall 2024.
The project is pursuing a minimum of LEED Gold certification and a minimum of SITES Silver rating.
"The Toledo U.S. Courthouse and annex project represents the best of what is possible when federal, state and local governments work together with the private sector for the residents of Toledo and the American people," said GSA Public Buildings Service Commissioner Nina Albert. "As an anchor on Toledo’s Civic Center Mall, this project demonstrates how we are building back better, using this house of justice to create jobs and opportunities for the downtown area."
The Ashley U.S. Courthouse is located on the northern end of Toledo’s Civic Mall and has four stories and a basement. Designed in the Beaux Art Classicism style of architecture, the building’s significant features include a two-story exterior stone colonnade and decorative public corridors and lobbies with terrazzo floors, marble wall veneers, bronze door frames and decorative plaster panels. The courthouse was built in 1932 and has not had a comprehensive renovation or major remodeling completed in its history.
"Sustainment and progress for our nation require sacrifice, high learning, great effort and ongoing cooperation among our people," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. "Let us hope this citadel of justice will be arrayed in such a manner so as to inspire the thousands of people who will pass this way along our Civic Mall. Let this site bring greater understanding of our nation’s pluralistic history so our people are inspired to rededicate themselves squarely to "Liberty and Justice for All." After nearly two decades of sustained effort to achieve this project, we all better understand the meaning of the word perseverance. Thank you to every freedom lover who has made this day possible. Onward Justice. Onward America."
"I am honored to join our community to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Ashley U.S. Courthouse annex," said Congressman Robert Latta. "This addition, and other updates to our historic courthouse, will help meet the needs of our judicial system and will be a physical reminder of the importance of judicial transparency. Thank you to all who have been, and will be, involved in completing this project. This design is a great tribute to the Glass City."
"When plans were unveiled for the new annex at the James M. Ashley and Thomas W.L. Ashley U.S. Courthouse, I was excited to see the glass design would pay tribute to Toledo’s historic role in the glass industry. It will also be a modern and beautiful building, helping to continue the evolution of an important part of downtown," said Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.
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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet and overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best value in real estate, acquisition and technology services across government, in support of the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA and @GSAGreatLakes.