Primera provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, lighting, and fire protection engineering services for security improvements at the historic E. Ross Adair Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. The project brings the multi‑tenant federal facility into compliance with U.S. Marshals Service Publication 64 requirements and Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts security standards.
The building serves as both an office building and courthouse, housing the U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorneys, and other federal agencies. Security upgrades were designed to improve circulation control, life safety, and operational separation while respecting the building’s historic character.
The project includes construction of a five‑space parking garage for judges, a new U.S. Marshals Service vehicle sallyport and secure parking area, and multiple elevator modifications to support restricted circulation. These include two new elevators dedicated to prisoner movement, one new elevator for judges, and the repurposing of an existing elevator to provide secure access to second‑floor chambers and courtrooms. Interior modifications include relocation of the jury room to the second floor, addition of a new holding cell, and relocation of the U.S. Attorney conference and witness room to the third floor. A new emergency generator and fire egress stair are also included as part of the improvements.
Primera’s engineering scope includes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades for elevator machine rooms and holding cells, heating and ventilation systems for the sallyport, and plumbing services to support relocated restrooms and secure areas. Fire protection design includes a new fire pump, upgraded water services, new risers and sprinkler systems, and replacement of the main fire alarm panel. Electrical services include relocation of the electrical room; power distribution for new gates, cameras, and security systems; interior and exterior lighting upgrades; and design of a new 150‑kW diesel emergency generator.
Additional services include mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection design for the new judge parking garage, incorporating power, lighting, carbon monoxide‑controlled ventilation, and occupancy sensors, as well as a comprehensive lightning protection system for the building.
Design services were completed in 2025, with construction anticipated to resume pending full project funding.
