Six lives were brought to a tragic end during the mass shooting in Tucson, Ariz., last January 8, which left an additional 13 people wounded, among them U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. Although the victims’ lives were cut short, their hopes and dreams live on thanks to the many programs, nonprofit organizations and projects that have since been founded in their names.
Sundt is honored to be building one such project: The John M. Roll United States Courthouse in Yuma, Ariz., a landmark building that pays tribute to its namesake while reminding us that out of tragedy comes hope and renewal. John M. Roll was a federal judge who was killed in the attack.
The $25 million design-build project, which was funded several years ago and then put on hold because of the stagnant economy, was brought back to life largely because of the efforts of Justice Roll, who was one of the project’s biggest champions. The courthouse is being constructed in a prominent location on the city’s riverfront, where it will replace an outdated facility and help stimulate economic reinvestment in the area.
The building’s design puts a southwestern twist on the classic American courthouse by using locally sourced sandstone, living walls made of vines planted on steel trellises to shade windows, and fans for maximum ventilation. The project’s centerpiece is a 10,000-square-foot canopy made of photovoltaic panels that will provide shade while generating one quarter of the building’s electrical needs. Together, these innovative features are expected to put the project well within reach of earning LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2013.
The John M. Roll Unites States Courthouse will stand as a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to his family, friends and community. Sundt is honored to help him be remembered.