State Street Financial Center

Architect:Barber Architecture, Denver

Engineer:S.A. Miro, Denver

Owner:City of Aurora, Aurora, Colo.

General Contractor:The Weitz Co., Denver

Precaster:Rocky Mountain Prestress Inc., Denver

DESIGN CHALLENGE:
Replace the existing outdated 1970s-era city hall with a modern, efficient Municipal Center that could consolidate 26 city departments into one facility. The project had to project a strong image and identity for the city, it had to be inviting and promote customer service, and it had to enhance the employee experience to make it easier to recruit new employees.

PRECAST SOLUTION:
A master plan combined open space with a 286,000-square-foot building and a 241,000-square-foot parking structure. Both projects feature total-precast concrete structural systems, which combined architectural and structural components into single units.

The concept was chosen because it provided the timeless look of load-bearing masonry with significant schedule advantages not available with a steel structural frame with cladding.

Two five-story office wings feature acid-etched precast panels that include punched windows. The panels connect to a glassy, six-story curving element with a sloping metal roof. The lobby, plaza and lawn are intended to be used simultaneously for public events and serve as a unifying element. They are connected visually by a two-story loggia at the front of the building consisting of double-sided, freestanding precast columns.

The building’s roof is accented by a large precast concrete cornice, projecting three feet and curving in two directions. Other precast concrete accents were provided throughout the project, including light bollards, signs, wall caps and gateway walls at the main public-entry drive.

The floor plan provides maximum ease of use for both the public and employees, arranging spaces for easy access. The clear-span space above the 300-seat city-council chamber features 10-foot-wide, 32-inch-deep precast double tees.

The project, including both office building and parking structure, required only 26 months from design to occupancy. The precast was erected quickly, with as many as 55 pieces being placed per day. The all-precast solution also provided durability, permanence and the strong resemblance to traditional masonry that is used by many historic city halls.