When the Byron White U.S. Courthouse in downtown Denver needed to replace its aging window coverings, the task wasn’t as simple as choosing new shades. The project required balancing historical integrity with modern functionality—an especially challenging goal for a landmarked federal building dating back to the early 20th century.
Working alongside general contractor Cin-G Consulting, Bumble Bee Blinds of Boulder was entrusted to design and install a window covering solution that respected the courthouse’s classical architecture while providing the light control, safety compliance, and everyday functionality required for a modern workplace.
The result: 53 custom Graber roller shades that blended timeless aesthetics with performance-grade materials—earning praise from courthouse staff and meeting stringent fire safety standards without compromising on the building’s historical character.
The Challenge With Window Coverings For Government Buildings
The Byron White Courthouse is a Denver icon—an architectural gem known for its stately columns, marble interiors, and rich history. Originally constructed in the early 1900s, the building’s ornate details and tall windows reflect an era when craftsmanship and design went hand in hand. But with age came a need for modernization.
For decades, the courthouse had relied on fabric Roman shades, which, while visually appropriate, had become impractical. Many were faded, difficult to operate, and offered limited control over sunlight and glare. Staff members struggled to adjust the shades—especially in offices with high ceilings or large desks positioned directly in front of the windows.
Beyond usability, the federal building’s safety standards required all materials to meet strict fire ratings, making the search for a suitable fabric even more complex.
“Finding a window covering that looked like it belonged in a historic courthouse, while also meeting fire code requirements, was the biggest challenge,” said Amber Hoffman, co-owner of Bumble Bee Blinds of Boulder. “We needed something elegant, timeless, and durable, but also compliant with today’s safety standards. That’s not an easy combination.”
Selecting the Right Commercial Window Treatment Solution
To meet these unique needs, Bumble Bee Blinds of Boulder turned to Springs Window Fashions, the manufacturer of Graber window coverings. Graber’s line of custom roller shades offered the perfect blend of aesthetics, functionality, and performance.
Working closely with the Graber design team, Bumble Bee Blinds reviewed multiple fabric options before selecting a traditional-style woven textile that complemented the courthouse’s existing interior finishes. Crucially, the chosen fabric carried a commercial-grade fire rating, satisfying federal safety requirements while maintaining a soft, timeless look reminiscent of the original Roman shades.
“We were able to identify two or three fabrics that had the right look,” Hoffman explained. “The one we ultimately chose had just enough texture and warmth to feel classic, without looking overly modern or synthetic.”
Given the height of many of the courthouse’s windows—some extending well above standard reach—continuous cord loop controls were specified for all windows. This design allowed courthouse employees to easily raise and lower the shades from behind desks or other large furniture without needing to reach or strain.
Each window was custom measured to ensure a precise fit within the existing architecture, accounting for subtle differences in dimensions—an inevitability in a century-old building where no two openings are exactly the same.
Window Treatments Within a Historic Landmark
The Byron White Federal Courthouse, named in honor of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Colorado native Byron “Whizzer” White, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its preservation status meant that every detail of the project had to be handled with care.
Historic buildings often present unique logistical and technical challenges, and this courthouse was no exception. Window openings varied slightly in size and depth, and many featured original stone casings and intricate millwork that could not be altered or damaged.
For the Bumble Bee Blinds team, this meant meticulous pre-planning and coordination with Cin-G Consulting. Measurements were taken multiple times to confirm accuracy. The team used laser measuring tools to ensure each roller shade would mount cleanly within the existing framework, avoiding the need for invasive installation methods.
“It was one of those projects where every window had its own personality,” said Hoffman. “Some were straightforward, but others required a creative approach to ensure the brackets fit securely without touching any original materials.”
Coordinated Installation with Minimal Disruption
Because the courthouse remained open and fully operational throughout the project, installation scheduling was a critical factor. Bumble Bee Blinds worked closely with Cin-G Consulting and courthouse administrators to develop a multi-day installation plan that minimized disruption to daily operations.
The general contractor coordinated with each department to temporarily move furniture and clear access to windows in stages. This allowed Bumble Bee Blinds’ professional installers to work efficiently and safely, completing several offices each day without interrupting court functions or employee workflows.
“Our goal was to make it as seamless as we could,” Hoffman said. “We understood this wasn’t a standard office environment—this was a federal courthouse. That meant being respectful of security procedures, work hours, and the people who occupy those spaces every day.”
The installation team operated as quietly as possible, recognizing the challenges of operating drills in an office space. They managed equipment and materials through secured areas under the supervision of Cin-G Consulting. Each roller shade was inspected after installation to ensure smooth operation and consistent alignment across all 53 windows.
The Result: Modern Performance, Timeless Style
When the final shades were installed in the government building, the transformation was immediately apparent. The Graber roller shades provided a clean, uniform appearance from both inside and outside the building. The selected fabric diffused sunlight beautifully, reducing glare while preserving the building’s historic feel.
Courthouse employees quickly noticed the difference. Many expressed appreciation for how easy the new shades were to operate and how well they fit the building’s traditional aesthetic.
“We heard from several staff members who said they were surprised at how much the shades improved the overall look of the offices,” Hoffman recalled. “They commented that the shades looked like they had always been there—but with a modern touch that made the rooms more comfortable and functional.”
The project not only enhanced the daily comfort of courthouse staff but also demonstrated how modern window covering technology can coexist with historic design. By pairing contemporary functionality with classic visual appeal, Bumble Bee Blinds of Boulder helped preserve the building’s legacy while improving its usability for decades to come.
Key Takeaways
- Client: Byron White Federal Courthouse (Denver, CO)
- General Contractor: Cin-G Consulting
- Product: Graber Custom Roller Shades (Springs Window Fashions)
- Scope: 53 custom shades across multiple offices over two floors
- Challenges: Historic architecture, fire rating requirements, tall and irregular window dimensions, limited installation windows
- Solutions: Fire-rated traditional fabric, continuous cord loops, precise custom measurements, staged installation schedule
About the Byron White Federal Courthouse
Located in Denver’s Civic Center district, the Byron White U.S. Courthouse serves as the home of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Built between 1910 and 1916, the structure is an architectural masterpiece featuring Italian Renaissance Revival design, limestone façades, and grand interior spaces with marble and bronze finishes.
Named after Byron Raymond White—U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Colorado native—the courthouse stands as one of Denver’s most historically significant federal buildings. Projects like this one highlight the ongoing efforts to preserve the craftsmanship of the past while incorporating the modern amenities required for today’s workplace.
About Bumble Bee Blinds of Boulder
Bumble Bee Blinds of Boulder is a locally owned and operated provider of custom window coverings, serving Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont, Louisville, and the greater Denver metro area. As part of a national network of independently owned franchises, Bumble Bee Blinds specializes in residential and commercial window treatments, offering expert consultation, precise installation, and a wide range of products from leading manufacturers including Graber, Hunter Douglas, and Insolroll.
With a focus on collaboration, craftsmanship, and customer experience, Bumble Bee Blinds of Boulder continues to deliver commercial window treatment solutions that balance beauty, performance, and practicality for every space—whether it’s a historic courthouse or a modern Colorado home.
👉 Learn more or schedule a consultation at bumblebeeblinds.com/boulder-co.