Dimeo Const. Co. tops-off new 150,000 s/f Fall River Trial Court - designed by Finegold Alexander

Dimeo Construction Co. recently topped-off the new 150,000 s/f Fall River Trial Court designed by Finegold Alexander & Associates Inc. The New Fall River Trial Court is the first courthouse in the commonwealth to seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accreditation. The design incorporates high efficiency lighting with an emphasis on maximizing the use of natural daylight. The heating and cooling systems, and other mechanical and electrical systems throughout the building, also will be highly efficient. From the outset of the project, assessment of the building envelope and engineering systems for the new Fall River Trial Court have been based on a life cycle cost analysis. As a component of this analysis, Arup performed a whole building annual energy simulation. Designed to consume 25% less energy than a comparable building, the Trial Court includes energy-efficient HVAC systems, an improved building envelope, and good lighting design. Completion of the energy model allowed the client to earn several points toward the goal of a Silver rating under the USGBC - LEED for new construction. The new trial court will combine the operations of the Fall River Superior and District Courts and will house a law library as well as various public and staff functions. With 5 main floors and a mechanical penthouse, the building will be steel framed with metal stud back-up of a cast veneer material. Each floor is 30,000 s/f, and includes 8 courtrooms, associated holding facilities, administrative areas for the court proceedings, and limited indoor parking. The project site is 2 acres in area and is located on South Main St. near the intersection of Spring St. in downtown. Located in a densely built-up urban area near I-195, the site has a significant slope with a grade change of more than 20' from back to front.