FEDERAL COURTHOUSE and POST OFFICE
Erie PA

In 1997, as part of the General Services Administration’s Design Quality Program, the Joint Venture of KSBA Architects and Dan Peter Kopple & Associates (DPK&A) of Philadelphia, PA, was selected to design the Erie Federal Complex. This renovation and expansion of the Erie Federal Courthouse, including adaptive reuse of existing buildings on a site located at the heart of Erie, PA, contains three important historic structures. Two are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The program included upgrading existing court facilities to current standards of security and required space, addition of new court facilities, expansion of existing government offices, retention of Post Office function and provisions for future court expansion. The goal was to design a facility that would enhance the positive image of the Federal Courts in Erie by joining the historic structures of different styles with a sympathetically composed expansion to create a well functioning, visually unified whole. The aim was to create a highly visible entry leading to a vibrant sequence of interior public spaces as an amenity and civic symbol.