Hampden County Courthouse facts for kids
|
Hampden County Courthouse
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 |
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Springfield, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Built | 1871 |
| Architect | Henry Hobson Richardson; Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge |
| Part of | Court Square Historic District (ID74000370) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000134 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | February 1, 1972 |
| Designated CP | May 2, 1974 |
The Hampden County Courthouse is a historic building in Springfield, Massachusetts. It was designed by a famous architect named Henry Hobson Richardson. This courthouse is important because it serves the people of Hampden County.
It wasn't the first courthouse for the county. The first one was a small building from 1740. A second courthouse was built in 1822. But by the 1860s, people felt a new, better courthouse was needed. There were concerns that the old building wasn't safe enough. It didn't have fireproof places to keep important public records. This led to the decision to build the new courthouse.
Building the New Courthouse
Work on the new courthouse began in late 1871. The building was officially opened on April 28, 1874. The original building cost about $214,000 to construct. The land it sits on cost around $75,000.
The courthouse is shaped a bit like the letter "I". Its front shows off tall lines and windows. It also had two tall dormers (windows sticking out of the roof) next to its bell tower. The outside walls were made from light gray Monson granite. This stone was rough but had smooth parts for decoration. The design shows how Richardson's style was developing. A professor named Dr. Michael Frisch described it as a very impressive building. He said it showed how important Springfield was becoming in its region.
Changes and Modern Use
As Hampden County grew, the courthouse needed more space. By 1907, some court offices moved to another building. Between 1908 and 1912, a large addition was built. This new part was designed by the firm that took over Richardson's work. During this update, the original sloping roof and tall dormers were removed. This changed how some parts of Richardson's first design looked.
The Hampden County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. Today, the building is still used for legal matters. It houses the juvenile court and a part of the Massachusetts Housing Court. The courthouse is also part of the larger Court Square Historic District.
Gallery
-
The first courthouse in Springfield from 1740. At that time, Springfield was the main town for Hampshire County.
-
The second courthouse, built in 1821-1822. This was the first courthouse for Hampden County, which started in 1812.
-
The H.H. Richardson building as it looked when it was opened in 1874.
