The historic renovation of the iconic 21-story St. Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse was one of the most ambitious restorations ever completed in the Upper Midwest.

Originally constructed in 1932, the 336,000-square-foot building is included on the National Register of Historic Places and has provided a remarkable backdrop for famous trials and even Hollywood movies.

The renovation involved a complete replacement of the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems. To minimize disruptions to the City of St. Paul and Ramsey County administrative offices and conference centers, Ramsey County Judicial District courts and court administrative functions, we used a phased construction strategy.

Eight new courtrooms and five new judge’s chambers were added, along with jury rooms and attorney/client interview rooms. The entire building was outfitted with historically acceptable ramps, railings, doorways and toilets to meet all accessibility requirements under the American Disabilities Act.

Special considerations included refinishing all ornamental bronze, nickel and silver doors, railings, ceilings, light fixtures and other architectural metalwork. More than 11,000-square-feet of gold leaf was removed, repaired and reinstalled as part of construction. Sixteen different types of domestic and foreign wood millwork were similarly removed, restored and replaced.