Middlesex County Courthouse

On a crisp autumn day in 1816, a grand structure arose in East Cambridge. This was the Middlesex County Courthouse, designed by the renowned Charles Bulfinch. The Middlesex County Courthouse stands as a testament to its rich history. The Lechmere Point Corporation, eager to boost East Cambridge’s development, commissioned its construction. Bulfinch, already famous for his architectural prowess, designed this courthouse as his fourth and final contribution to Massachusetts’ judicial landscape. The Middlesex County Courthouse wasn’t always as you see it today. In 1848, architect Ammi B. Young expanded the courthouse. He added wings, a distinctive gable roof, a stately clock tower, and a striking cast-iron portico. Young also decided to give the brick exterior a facelift. He applied mastic to mimic the appearance of stone, a popular technique at the time. Later, in 1892 and 1893, the facades were further updated with pressed brick. The courthouse has seen its share of changes and additions over the years. The construction of the Probate and Insolvent Court in 1889 began to encroach on the courthouse’s eastern approach. A 1901 wing led to the demolition of Young’s 1848 portico, a loss that was later rectified with its reconstruction in 1985. The Registry of Deeds, designed by Olin Cutter in 1896, joined the complex, showcasing the era’s typical Classical Revival style. Its notable feature was the prominent use of red brick, even in the grand Ionic columns and rusticated basement. The original jail that once stood on the site made way for the new Superior Court Building in 1968. This modern skyscraper, designed by Edward J. Tedesco, now dominates the city block. A recessed red story on the building serves as a reminder of the former jail’s presence. Thanks to public and private collaboration, the older courthouse buildings were saved from demolition. During a restoration project from 1985 to 1986, Graham Gund Architects breathed new life into the Middlesex County Courthouse. They cleverly incorporated part of the space for their offices and renamed the revitalized complex Bulfinch Square.