An important issue in the design of the E. Barrett PrettymanCourthouse, and GSA-owned structures in general, has been theutilization of an access floor system for the horizontal distribution ofpower, data, telecommunication, and low-voltage system cabling;plus the related flexibility in position of connections above the floor.GSA needed this underfloor service flexibility to create acourthouse that would serve the needs of its occupants for the life of the building.

This project received the Hammer Award from the General Services Administration for extraordinary efforts in putting customers first, cutting red tape, and getting back to basics. Ewing Cole’s field inspection staff also received a special recognition award for Outstanding Architecture and Engineering Field Support.

This 9-story, 400,000 square foot United States courthouse facility will be the largest building in downtown Fresno. The facility, which began construction April 2002, is scheduled to be completed in April 2005. The project incorporates many sustainable design features and includes an access floor system with underfloor air delivery for additional user comfort and control.