Massachusetts Justice Center Remains Under Construction

By CN Staff

LOWELL, Mass.—Construction remains ongoing on the new $150 million Lowell Justice Center project, with a substantial date scheduled for the Winter 2019/20.

The building — located at 370 Jackson Street in Lowell — will span 265,000 gross square feet and comprise 17 courtroom and associated detainee holding cells. It will overlook the Hamilton Canal, a National Landmark, and will act as the cornerstone of Lowell’s Hamilton Canal District development master plan.

The cutting-edge facility will contain the operations of the District, Housing, Superior, Juvenile and Probate and Family Courts. It will also contain office space for court staff, a Court Service Center, Law Library, the Registry of Deeds, office of the District Attorney, and a Grand Jury Room.

The project began with a certifiable building study and was the largest of three pilot studies for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM)s ZNE initiatives. A goal in the design of this courthouse is to maximize energy efficiency and it is expected to achieve a LEED-platinum certification. The building will feature a chilled beam HVAC system, photo-voltaic panels, and sophisticated building envelope, systems, and controls among many design features incorporated to achieve performance targets 40% better than code.

The building is also designed to create a welcoming and calming civic space and will feature generous natural daylight, warm finishes and furniture, and public art that reflects the diverse history and culture of Lowell.

Finegold Alexander Architects is an award-winning, Boston-based design firm with expertise in courthouse design as well as experience with a variety of civic, academic, mixed use and multi-family private development, and religious projects.

Dimeo Construction Co., with expertise in preconstruction and construction services, is the construction manager and contractor on this project. The company has offices in Boston, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island; and New Haven, Connecticut.