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Courthouse enters last phase of construction

Construction of the new courthouse is nearing completion. Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs
By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD "For a city our size to have a building like this is amazing," Congressman Richard Neal said of the new federal courthouse now in the last stage of its construction.

And the innovative combination of glass and stone certainly impressed this reporter. Even on a rainy day, the building seems to soak up and reflect all of the available light. Neal conducted a tour for Reminder Publications on Friday.

The entrance of the courthouse is a glass construction with a sloping roof that more resembles a sculpture than a roof. Outside of the entrance are the two trees that stood next to the Alexander House, one of the city's oldest buildings that was moved around the corner onto Eliot Street. Neal pointed out how the building was designed around the majestic trees that have been witnesses to centuries of Springfield history.

Neal expects the new federal building and courthouse to be a fixture on State Street for the next 100 years. The $70 million structure will house the federal court, Neal's offices, the U.S. Attorney's offices and other federal offices. The new courthouse is expected to open sometime in late June, he said.

Inside the white limestone edifice last week, workers were adding grout to the floors of the three-story building. The white limestone, he pointed out, matches the stone used in the Central Library building.

Connecting the three floors of the building closest to State Street the complex has a rear wing that will house the offices for judges is a stone staircase. The staircase, coupled with the glass wall creates the opportunity for various views up and down State Street, Neal pointed out with obvious pride.

Inside the building's four courtrooms, workers were adding finishing touches. The courtrooms are named after the four western counties with Judge Michael Ponsor presiding in the Hampden courtroom, the largest of the four. Unlike the current building, the new one has separate elevators for defendants and the general public.

Across the street, there are several buildings available for lease or sale and one has already been sold. This is part of the economic spin-off Neal said would happen with the project.

Coupled with the courthouse construction is the $25 million reconstruction of State Street. Neal said that bids on that project were opened last week.

The new building has been in the works since 1997 when Ponsor approached Neal about the possibility of a new federal building and courthouse.

Neal said of the old building on Main Street that he would see a "substantial re-use that would be compatible with the central business district."

Once the federal government declares the building as surplus property, the city will take over the re-development of the building and Neal said whatever the use would be, he would like it to generate "high pedestrian usage."