Insight

Gov. Maura Healey Visits Worcester Courthouse Lofts

Gov. Healey Talks Housing Crisis + Affordable Homes Act at Worcester Courthouse Lofts

Original story posted by Marco Cartolano, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Photo of three people in business attire talking in a marble courthouse lobby

Gov. Maura Healey and Housing Secretary, Edward M. Augustus Jr. recently toured Worcester Courthouse Lofts, historical adaptive redevelopment of the former Worcester County Courthouse, completed by Trinity Financial, TOCCI and The Architectural Team, Inc. (TAT).

While there, Healey spoke about the current housing crisis and The Affordable Homes Act, $4.1 billion plan announced with the Healey-Driscoll administration to preserve new homes and new units for low and middle income families across the state.

“It will spur the creation, preservation and modernization of nearly 70,000 housing units and gives communities the tools they need to enact local solutions to their housing challenges.”

Governor Healey

On the Affordable Homes Act

Worcester Courthouse Lofts boasts 118 market-rate and affordable units and museum space honoring local African American cycling legend Marshall “Major” Taylor.

Throughout construction, it was crucial to maintain the integrity and charm of this historic building, and imperative to comply with current codes and requirements including air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical, to egress and hallway width.

This project could not have been successful without the TAT team and key trade partners including:

The Masonry Doctors
Boston Ornament Company
A&A Window Product
ECI
Tara Construction

Courthouse Lofts was awarded the 2022 Paul & Niki Tsongas Award, in recognition of TOCCI and trade partner preservation efforts.

A former courtroom before renovation, showing wood paneling amid peeling paint and construction debris.

A converted courtroom residence with original wood paneling and judge's bench beside a new kitchen.

“You see a beautiful historic building in the heart of a great city now turned into homes for over 100 families. It’s fantastic,” Healey said. “I think it’s important to highlight what’s possible when people come together in true partnership to get something like this done.”

Governor Healey

On Worcester Courthouse Lofts