Nestled in downtown Eugene, Oregon, the Wayne L. Morse U.S. Federal Courthouse exemplifies pioneering construction and cooperative design. JE Dunn Construction brought this project to life using the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) process, making it the first U.S. courthouse awarded under this innovative method. Fred Shipman, now retired from JE Dunn but intimately involved in the project, highlighted the distinctive features and hurdles encountered along the way.
The novelty approach of the CMGC process for the project was significant, Shipman said. Typically, the General Services Administration (GSA) used a more traditional competitive bid process for their projects. The CMGC method, however, allowed JE Dunn to be involved early in the design phase, fostering a more integrated and collaborative relationship with the GSA and other stakeholders. This early involvement was pivotal in addressing the courthouse’s complex design and construction needs.
The courthouse’s design was a blend of contrasting visions, spearheaded by Chief Judge Michael Hogan of the District Court for the District of Oregon and the renowned architect, Thom Mayne of Morphosis. Judge Hogan, known for his conservative stance, initially had reservations about Mayne’s liberal and avant-garde design style. Despite these differences, the collaboration between the two resulted in a courthouse like no other in the country.
“The designers worked hand in hand with Judge Hogan, blending his conservative nature with Mayne’s innovative vision to create something truly unique,” Shipman said.
One of the most striking features of the courthouse is its curvilinear design, a stark departure from traditional courthouse architecture. This design posed significant challenges from a constructability standpoint. “The curvilinear design required meticulous coordination between the architects, subcontractors, and on-site construction teams to ensure everything fit perfectly,” Shipman said. The building’s stainless steel and glass façade not only gives it a modern and sleek appearance but also demanded high precision during construction to maintain both aesthetic and functional integrity.
Internally, the courthouse was designed with a strong focus on the judge’s and jury’s positioning, ensuring clear lines of sight and a balanced courtroom environment. “The design of the courtroom was very specific, drawing attention to the witness stand and the judge, emphasizing the judicial authority,” Shipman said. This meticulous attention to detail extended to the security features of the building. Despite its welcoming appearance, with a three-story atrium and extensive use of natural light, the courthouse boasted state-of-the-art security. “At the time it was built, it had the highest level of security in the country, including bullet-resistant glass and a redundant structural system to prevent progressive collapse due to blasts,” he said.
Another unique aspect of the project was the incorporation of significant artwork throughout the courthouse, an uncommon feature in federal buildings. “They spent quite a bit of money on artwork, selecting three to five artists to contribute, which added a distinctive cultural dimension to the building,” Shipman said. This investment in art reflected the courthouse’s role not just as a judicial center, but as a community landmark.
The success of the GSA Wayne L. Morse U.S. Federal Courthouse project was a significant achievement for JE Dunn Construction, showcasing their ability to handle complex, high-stakes projects with innovative approaches.
“This project was wildly successful for everyone involved,” Shipman said. “It’ll set a new standard for federal building projects across the nation.”