Courthouses and jails are important landmarks in downtown districts, and are evolving to express an enlightened approach to the administration of justice and public safety. The new Denver Colorado Justice Center, comprised of the new Van-Cise Simonet Detention Center and Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, is conceived as an extension of the Denver Civic Center (which includes the historic State Capitol, the City/County Building and the United States Mint). The transparent facades of the courthouse and jail focus on the public space and communicate their mission of public service.