Dorchester District Courthouse
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts
Located on the main commercial street in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, the courthouse is a major presence. Our renovation and expansion of this beloved civic building helped spark additional redevelopment and investment in the ailing urban district.
Relevant Project Information:
- The addition merges with the older building to create a continuous, varied facade that reinforces the street edge and triples the building's size to 76,000 SF.
- Goody Clancy preserved the original head house and paid special attention to reinterpreting the classical character of the older building.
- New entry with granite stairs was designed with weather-protected area for people queued outside, waiting to pass through security.
- Goody Clancy collaborated with sculptor Ann Sperry on the design of the capitals for the new portico, reinterpreting the classical Corinthian order.
- Paint colors, arched window heads, and classical trim in the old courtrooms inspired the design of the six new courtrooms, which are daylit with clerestories and windows.
- New linear circulation system, with natural lighting to help orient people, clearly separates the public, staff, and detainees.
Sustainable Design:
- Extensive detailing
- Urban site close to public transportation
- Renovation of existing building to extend its useful life
Awards:
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts, DCPO Design Awards -- Excellence in Public Design and Construction
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