Middlesex County Courthouse (Massachusetts) facts for kids
The Middlesex County Courthouse is a really old and important building in East Cambridge, Massachusetts. It's a courthouse, which is where legal cases are heard. The first design for this building was made between 1814 and 1816 by a famous architect named Charles Bulfinch. Later, in 1848, another architect, Ammi B. Young, made it much bigger.
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What is the Middlesex County Courthouse?
The Middlesex County Courthouse is a historic building that has served the community for a long time. It's a place where important decisions about laws and justice are made. The building itself has a rich history, showing different styles of architecture from the past.
Who Designed the Original Building?
The land for the first courthouse was given by Andrew Craigie. He wanted to help develop the area of East Cambridge. Charles Bulfinch, a very well-known architect from that time, drew up the plans. The building was constructed between 1814 and 1816. It was located on Third Street, between Otis and Thorndike Streets. Bulfinch's original building was covered in stucco and is now the central part of the courthouse you see today. We know what it looked like from one old drawing that still exists.
How Did the Courthouse Change Over Time?
In 1848, architect Ammi B. Young made big changes to the courthouse. He covered the building in brick and added new features. These included a large dome-like structure called a cupola, special Palladian windows, and arches built into the walls. These details showed a mix of late Federal and Greek Revival styles, which were popular at the time.
Saving the Historic Building
Later, in 1924, another part was added that covered up Young's main entrance. By 1973, there were plans to tear down the courthouse to build a parking lot! Luckily, people who cared about history stepped in. An architect named Graham Gund led a big effort to save the building.
Bringing Back Its Original Look
Thanks to these efforts, the 1924 addition was removed. Young's original entrance was rebuilt, and the large clock tower was fixed. The gold dome of the cupola was cleaned, and the brickwork, metal trim, and fences were all repaired. Even the slate and copper roofs were restored. This work helped bring the courthouse back to its beautiful, historic appearance.
Other Important Buildings Nearby
The Middlesex County Courthouse is part of a larger area called Bulfinch Square. Other important buildings in this area include:
- The impressive Registry of Deeds Building (built in 1896 by architect Otis Cutter). It has four huge brick columns at its entrance.
- The Clerk of Courts Building (built in 1889).
- The Third District Court (built in 1931 by architect Charles Greco).
The courthouse is also right next to the tall, 16-story former Edward J. Sullivan "Hi-rise" Superior court building.
