The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is advancing a major transformation of its federal campus in Hato Rey, San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the development of the new Clemente Ruiz Nazario U.S. Courthouse Annex. The 180,000‑square‑foot, multi-story facility will be integrated physically and operationally with the existing Federico Degetau Federal Building and Nazario Courthouse. Located on a 26‑acre campus – the largest GSA facility in the Caribbean –the Annex will expand the judiciary’s capacity while delivering a state‑of‑the‑art, secure and resilient environment for federal court operations.
What challenges are STV addressing?
The project requires a design capable of delivering a 50% increase in programmed space within a significantly constrained site located between two existing federal buildings. The team needs to integrate modern courtroom and chamber requirements while ensuring security, circulation efficiency and operational continuity across the full federal campus. The design also needs to account for long-term resiliency within Puerto Rico’s climate and seismic conditions.
What solutions are STV delivering?
STV is providing comprehensive architecture and engineering services in partnership with Davis Brody Bond/A Page Company. The Annex will provide six new courtrooms and 10 new chambers, expanding the total campus to 12 courtrooms and 17 chambers. STV’s design addresses space optimization, building integration, structural solutions for dense urban siting and enhanced interior and circulation planning – extending the longevity and operational capabilities of the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico.
How will this project benefit the region?
The new Annex will strengthen federal judicial capacity on the island, improving access to justice and ensuring that essential federal services can operate efficiently for decades. It will enhance security, resilience and user experience while helping modernize one of the Caribbean’s most important federal campuses.
Key Stats and Accolades
- 180,000 sf multi‑story Annex
- 6 new courtrooms and 10 new chambers
- Largest GSA‑managed campus in the Caribbean
- Expands total complex to 12 courtrooms and 17 chambers
