Three-year-old, $421M Bronx courthouse already a sinking ship?

The $421 million Bronx Criminal Court, which opened three years ago to critical acclaim, already has so many structural problems that several parts of the building are cordoned off because they are too dangerous, according to the Daily News. Among the issues with the so-called Hall of Justice: a leaky roof and sewage pipes, mice, and a 240-car underground garage that has yet to open because of fears that it would collapse. Lately, lawyers who frequent the building, at 265 East 161st Street, have taken to calling it “the Titanic.” Meanwhile, the courtyard that was supposed to be the design centerpiece of the courthouse is closed because of safety issues, and the building is tied up in more than 30 lawsuits with contractors, architects and others involved with the construction. A spokesperson for the state’s Dormitory Authority, which oversaw the project, said “plans for repair are being made” to fix the roof, that the structural problems with the garage have been addressed and that it will open soon “pending all approvals.” [NYDN]