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Date: 6/26/2023
SPRINGFIELD — A new 21st century courthouse will be constructed to replace the existing one at 50 State St. in Springfield.
On June 22, Gov. Maura Healey released a statement that said, “Our administration envisions the Springfield court complex as an opportunity to build a courthouse of the future, utilizing the most advanced approaches to energy efficiency and demonstrating best-in-class design.”
The Healey administration will include $106 million in its fiscal year 2024-28 Capital Improvement Plan to begin the process of building a new, modern Hall of Justice in Springfield.
As the process unfolds, Healey said her administration will continue to engage with local officials, court leaders, user groups and community members to select a site and begin construction.
Leading up to the announcement, several studies and relocation options for the existing Springfield courthouse were being considered.
On May 15, the Divisions of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance released the Springfield Courts Complex Relocation Assessment report.
The assessment reviewed potential sites to replace the existing Hampden County Hall of Justice, assessing properties in the Springfield area that have the size and capacity to accommodate a courthouse.
The site assessment assisted in determining whether a replacement or renovation was the appropriate course of action to meet the needs of the Trial Court and the people it serves.
“Given our commitment to a court complex that is more suited to 21st century functions and feedback from our local stakeholders, we concluded that replacing the current facility is the most responsible course of action,” shared Healey’s office.
The administration went on to explain that the DCAMM assessment was required as part of the settlement with court employees and is not to be confused with a site recommendation or selection process.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with the Trial Court and community stakeholders to review the results of the site assessment and discuss next steps towards finalizing a selection,” said Healey’s office.
The FY24-28 Capital Improvement Plan includes funding for the initial site selection and design work. Funding for the actual construction will be incorporated into future Capital Improvement Plans — likely between FY27 and FY32.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno issued a statement regarding the funding, as he continues to be an avid supporter for a new “state-of-the-art courthouse” on the north riverfront area.
He expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Healey-Driscoll administration for their initial investment to replace the “ailing courthouse” on State Street.
Sarno said, “I want to thank and commend Gov. Maura Healey for her continued support and investment in our Springfield, especially with this initial investment of $106 million devoted to the site assessment and design of this much needed project.”
Sarno shared that the Healey administration and state Rep. Michael Finn (D-West Springfield), chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, contacted him to share the news of the “firm financial commitment” to building a new Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse.
He went on to say that he looks forward to continuing working with Healey and her team, DCAMM, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield), state Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) and the entire Springfield delegation, including Finn, whose committee will conduct the review and due diligence on the state’s capital spending plan.
Sarno reiterated his support for the relocation of a new courthouse to the north riverfront area. “This would be a game changer for the city of Springfield and address a wide variety of needs for our city, including much needed additional housing to the city, which is a cornerstone of Gov. Healey’s administration,” he said.
Additionally, the project would address parking and public transportation aspects, establish restaurant and boutique shops, create jobs, along with a proposed marina.
Sarno and local businessman Peter Picknelly brought this proposal forward on June 30, 2022. The riverfront property is owned by Picknelly and is accessible through Avocado Street.
Picknelly’s vision for the courthouse is a four-story building on 12.5 acres with 210,000 to 260,000 square feet of space. It would have a 700-car parking area, with 150 spaces in an underground garage. There would also be a raised boardwalk from the courthouse property leading to a look-out area at the river.
The design and construction cost of this project would be between $255 and $295 million.
In addition to a new courthouse, on the other side of Clinton Street, Picknelly wants to build an 11-story residential center with 120 to 180 one- and two-bedroom apartments with the first floor designated for retail and restaurants. The apartment building is estimated to cost $150 to $175 million.
Reminder Publishing spoke with Gonzalez prior to the Healey administration’s announcing the funding on June 22. Gonzalez’s 10th Hampden District encompasses the city’s downtown area, including the Metro Center and South End as well as the Brightwood and Memorial Square neighborhoods in the city’s North End.
Regarding the recent DCAMM assessment, Gonzalez said, “I found it disheartening to see other towns and cities a part of this.”
He went on to describe it as “concerning,” as he believes the courthouse should be in Springfield.
Although it is called the “Hampden County” courthouse, Gonzalez said he wants to make sure the plan is only for Springfield — either downtown or an adjacent area.
“The highways were built with Springfield being the heart and soul of Western Massachusetts … It’s easy to access,” he said. “It’s the best suitable location.”
State Rep. Orlando Ramos (D-Springfield), who is running for mayor, released a statement, which said, “I commend Gov. Healey for this decision and recognizing that this is the best use of public funds.”
Ramos shared that he agrees that new construction is a better option, rather than renovating the existing facility.
“Many people — especially the employees of the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse — have been waiting a long time for this great news.”
He continued, “The next goal is to make sure that the new building remains in downtown Springfield.”