Historic relics salvaged as part of Worcester courthouse renovation
Photo | Grant Welker
Crews work to transform the former Worcester County Courthouse into a new apartment building called Courthouse Lofts.
Hundreds of historic items have been saved — judge's benches, bookshelves, window sills, terrazzo floors and more — as the former Worcester County Courthouse is being converted into new apartments called Courthouse Lofts.
Some of the larger courtrooms are being divided into multiple units, their ceilings so tall that lofted spaces will be built for beds. One courtroom will become a resident lounge, a treasurer's office will be made into a museum for late Worcester champion bicyclist Major Taylor, and another's use is still being determined in consultation with preservation officials.
Construction officials gave a media tour Tuesday at a point during the $53-million project when the old Lincoln Square building is stripped down about as much as it can be. Asbestos and other contaminants have been removed, as have windows and drop ceilings. Some new wall framing and ventilation is going up, and new windows will be installed in the next few weeks.
"It's non-stop challenges, but it's gone smoothly," said Mike Lozano, the project manager for developer Trinity Financial of Boston.
Construction began this spring, and 80 construction workers are on site each day working toward expected completion for summer 2020. The old courthouse, which closed in 2007, is being converted into 118 apartments, a number that has changed a little over time as plans for remaking the old building have shifted. Trinity has been planning how to remake the building since it bought it from the city in 2017 for $1.3 million.
"It's extremely challenging trying to balance all the historical stuff without breaking anything," said Brendan Clifford, a site superintendent for builder Tocci Building Corp. of Woburn.
The site at Main and Highland streets is a complex one, with an original 1800s-era wing and a more recent addition facing Harvard Street from the 1950s. Some dated relics remain, like phone booths, as well as 28 staircases. As much as can reasonably be kept in the building will remain, officials said.
"It's going to have a very different look, but people will know it was a courthouse," Lozano said.
Courthouse Lofts will add to new housing options downtown to include 145 Front at City Square, whose 368 units opened in 2018, and another 55 units at the Central Building at 332 Main St. Another 48 units are hitting the market at Kelley Square Lofts.
All but six of Courthouse Lofts' units will be set aside as affordable under income restrictions based on the median area income. The development has benefited from nearly $36 million in funding from the state agency MassHousing and more than $10 million in historic tax credits.
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Why isn't it being demolished like they did those churches?
Great to hear that replica stuff is staying !!! Old phone booth ???☎️ Stairways. !!!
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