The Colorado Supreme Court building is set to reopen to the public on Tuesday after nearly 10 months of extensive repairs and cleaning. Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez stated in a news release that the Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center is a vital symbol in the legal community and serves as the central hub for various agencies crucial to the judicial system. The reopening of the building marks a significant milestone in the recovery process following the damaging events earlier this year.
Brandon Olsen, 45, allegedly broke into the court building in the early morning of Jan. 2 by shooting through a window while fleeing from a car crash at 13th Avenue and Lincoln Street, according to police reports. Olsen faces charges of arson, robbery, and criminal mischief in connection with the incident, including holding a security guard at gunpoint and starting a fire on the seventh floor of the building.
The fire on the seventh floor was extinguished by the building’s sprinklers, causing significant water damage as they ran for a couple of hours. The break-in resulted in $35 million in damages and rendered four floors unusable, as reported by court officials.
Floors 3 through 7 are currently undergoing reconstruction and are anticipated to reopen next summer, as stated by building officials.
Upon its initial reopening next week, the public will have access to floors 1 and 2 of the office tower from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Access to floors 8 through 12 will be by appointment only.
Olsen is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on Nov. 18, according to court records.
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