Carr Center tower to partially reopen, judicial branch announces
Timothy Hurst
The state’s judicial branch announced on Thursday that portions of the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center will reopen to the public next week, nine months after an intruder caused millions of dollars in damage to the facility.
The building “is an important symbol in our legal community — it is the hub of activity for a number of agencies critical to our judicial system. Its partial reopening marks a significant milestone in the recovery process from the devasting events that severely damaged the tower complex earlier this year,” said Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez in a statement.
Brandon Olsen caused an estimated $35 million in damage in January when he broke into the office portion of the Carr Center overnight, fired shots from inside and reportedly set a fire. The side of the complex housing the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals was largely unaffected and remains open.
Olsen’s case is pending in Denver District Court, where he is charged with five felonies and misdemeanors, including arson.
The Colorado Attorney General’s Office, Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel and other agencies are housed in the tower. Beginning on Oct. 8, the first and second floors of the Carr Center tower will be open to the public. Floors 8-12 will be open by appointment only and the remaining floors are off limits.
In addition to fire and water damage, the ventilation system required cleaning due to the circulation of smoke throughout the building. Fire extinguishing equipment also caused damage. Industrial hygienic cleaning and the rebuild of entire floors were needed.
The judicial branch estimated the reconstruction of the Carr Center will be complete next summer.
Carr Center tower to partially reopen, judicial branch announces
Complete restoration is not expected until summer 2025
The state’s judicial branch announced on Thursday that portions of the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center will reopen to the public next week, nine months after an intruder caused millions of dollars in damage to the facility.
The building “is an important symbol in our legal community — it is the hub of activity for a number of agencies critical to our judicial system. Its partial reopening marks a significant milestone in the recovery process from the devasting events that severely damaged the tower complex earlier this year,” said Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez in a statement.
Brandon Olsen caused an estimated $35 million in damage in January when he broke into the office portion of the Carr Center overnight, fired shots from inside and reportedly set a fire. The side of the complex housing the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals was largely unaffected and remains open.
Olsen’s case is pending in Denver District Court, where he is charged with five felonies and misdemeanors, including arson.
The Colorado Attorney General’s Office, Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel and other agencies are housed in the tower. Beginning on Oct. 8, the first and second floors of the Carr Center tower will be open to the public. Floors 8-12 will be open by appointment only and the remaining floors are off limits.
In addition to fire and water damage, the ventilation system required cleaning due to the circulation of smoke throughout the building. Fire extinguishing equipment also caused damage. Industrial hygienic cleaning and the rebuild of entire floors were needed.
The judicial branch estimated the reconstruction of the Carr Center will be complete next summer.
