(BOSTON — 07/31/2024) Today, the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives enacted the City of Lowell’s Home Rule Petition allowing the city to take ownership of two properties previously used as courthouses. Since the opening of the Cornelius F. Kiernan Judicial Center in May 2020, the former courthouse buildings on Hurd Street and Gorham Street have been vacant. The legislation also covers the accompanying parking areas.
H4700 An Act authorizing the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey certain parcels of land to the city of Lowell was filed by State Representative Rady Mom on behalf of the Lowell delegation. Under the terms of the legislation, the City of Lowell will now have the opportunity to purchase the properties for a nominal cost of one dollar each.
“Increasing our housing stock, lowering costs, and creating homeownership opportunities has been a primary focus for the entire delegation, the city council, and City Manager Tom Golden’s administration. I am proud the entire delegation worked together to make sure this special legislation was approved this term,” Representative Mom said. “Last year, the city adopted an MBTA Communities Overlay District to support multifamily development. The Hurd Street Courthouse is a critical part of that work. Once transformed, this property will be an economic development driver and strengthen our community through creating affordable homeownership opportunities.”
“I am grateful for the collaboration of the Lowell delegation that allowed for the City to have the ability to acquire these historic courthouse properties,” said State Senator Ed Kennedy. “I look forward to the city using these two properties to spawn economic development in the central business district.”
The city has been considering plans for a mixed-use housing project at the former Lowell District Court building on Hurd Street and in the adjacent lots. Several different ideas have been suggested for the future use of the Lowell Superior Court building and property on Gorham Street. The legislation gives the City of the Lowell the option to assume ownership of one, both, or neither of the properties
State Representative Rodney Elliott added that “the delegation has worked closely with the Department of Capital Asset Management and Modernization (DCAMM), to transfer these properties to the City. Passage of this Home Rule legislation is yet another important step to redevelopment of these courthouses that have sat vacant for some time. The City will now have the opportunity to convert these properties to much-needed housing and other reuse purposes.”
“I’m very pleased the Delegation has worked together to advance this Home Rule Petition to the Governor’s desk. Both of these courthouse properties are in my district and present exciting opportunities for redevelopment that will benefit the entire community.” said State Representative Vanna Howard.
Both of the courthouse buildings have rich histories through their usage and architectural value. The Superior Courthouse building on Gorham Street was built in 1850 and designed by Ammi Burnham Young. As litigation grew, the courthouse was expanded in 1898 by moving the original building backward and constructing a new addition in the front. Despite minimal external changes over the years, the courthouse has been updated with modern amenities like heating and plumbing, while maintaining much of its historic character.
In 1924, legislation allowed Middlesex County to build a new district court building on Hurd Street, which opened in 1926. By 1945, additional land was acquired for parking, and in 1967, the courthouse underwent further expansions to include a clerk’s office and jury session courtroom.
The functional use of both the Gorham Street superior courthouse and Hurd Street district courthouse terminated in May 2020 upon the completion of the state-of-the-art Lowell Justice Center. The Justice Center was dedicated as the Cornelius F. Kiernan Judicial Center in September 2023.