State now plans to lease space for new Roderick Ireland Courthouse in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – State officials are changing their plan for a new Roderick Ireland Courthouse in Springfield. Instead of looking for sites to build a new state-owned courthouse, they are now planning to solicit proposals from private developers, with the state to lease the property.

The Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) is planning to issue a request for proposals to private developers to either construct a new facility or renovate an existing space which can be used for a courthouse. The state would then take out a long-term lease on the property. According to DCAMM, this could result in a new courthouse being ready two years sooner; meaning a possible six-year timetable, rather than the current eight-year estimate.

In a statement sent to 22News, a spokesperson for DCAMM said “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to the timely delivery of a new, state-of-the-art Springfield Justice Center to serve the Hampden County community. By implementing a new competitive process to find and lease a site, we are ensuring that the new Justice Center can open its doors as soon as possible.”

Back in November, DCAMM had issued a request for proposals for properties in the Springfield area that would be a suitable location for a new state-owned courthouse. They received nine different proposals. While DCAMM and the Massachusetts Trial Court evaluated each of the proposals, none was chosen to go forward, and DCAMM will now cancel that RFP.

State officials decided to pursue a new courthouse after years of complaints about mold and other health issues associated with the current courthouse, located at 50 State Street in downtown Springfield.

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