The project: IMEG provided structural engineering services for the adaptive reuse of the old Federal Courthouse, which was transformed into the Travis County Probate Court. Originally opened in 1936 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the project focused on both the interior and exterior upgrades of the four-story building.

The goal: The goal was to modernize the historic building to meet the needs of the Probate Court while preserving its architectural heritage and ensuring it met modern functional and safety requirements.

The design: The design involved extensive structural modifications, including strengthening existing floor structures to accommodate new stairs and mechanical and plumbing shafts. Key design elements included the installation of structural steel platforms for new rooftop mechanical units, conversion of the old sally port building into an electrical vault, and the addition of a new external stair tower and elevated walkway. Additionally, new egress stairs for the basement were added, and consultation was provided for the restoration of the exterior limestone.

The outcome: The project successfully restored and repurposed the historic courthouse into a modernized and functional facility for the Travis County Probate Court. The adaptive reuse preserved the building’s historic character while improving its safety, accessibility, and operational capacity.