Making Justice Accessible For All
The District Court in Massachusetts is dedicated to the administration of justice in an environment that is safe, accessible, and respectful to all. The impetus for this project was to make the Haverhill District Court—built in 1968, including three courtrooms, court offices, detainee cells, and support spaces—equally accessible to all citizens and bring this courthouse into compliance with the civil rights obligations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project’s final design successfully fulfills that mission, providing an equal experience for everyone.
Location
Haverhill, MA
Client
MA Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM)
Size / Area
20,800 SF
Blending In With Existing Structures
The 2-story building’s location on a hill and its lack of an elevator posed a significant accessibility challenge. Now, a new ramp seamlessly integrates into the building’s traditional façade, providing a fully accessible front entrance from accessible parking. Regardless of mobility needs, staff and visitors entering through the main door along Ginty Boulevard have the same entry experience.
“Studio G did an excellent job moving with the changes while DCAMM revised the project.”
– Kim Plunkett, Project Manager, Office of Court Management
Prioritizing Safety and Security
Courthouse projects present a unique security requirement to maintain separate paths for the three user groups: staff, visitors, and detainees. A strategically placed 1,300 SF addition with a double-sided elevator enables all user groups to benefit from the elevator to travel between floors while maintaining critical separation of users for courthouse security. The main courtroom can now be used for different types of court business, with accessibility provided at the witness stand, jury box, detainee dock, and spectator seating where none existed before.
Adding Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficiency upgrades included a new HVAC system, high-performance windows, and LED light fixtures. Renovations also included reconditioning and lightening the original courtrooms’ wood paneling, detailing and benches, and new finishes.
