Hampden County Courthouse, County courthouse in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Hampden County Courthouse is a county courthouse in Springfield with an I-shaped structure built from light gray Monson granite in random ashlar pattern. The building features tall windows throughout and a prominent bell tower that dominates its appearance.
Construction started in 1871 after the previous 1822 courthouse became inadequate, and the building was dedicated in 1874. An expansion project from 1908 to 1912 modified the original design significantly.
The building shaped how people in Springfield viewed justice and civic importance through its architecture. Its grand design was meant to show that the law was serious and permanent in the community.
The building sits in downtown Springfield and is accessible during regular business hours on weekdays. Nearby parking garages and public transportation make it easy to visit the area.
The 1908-1912 expansion removed the original sloping roof and high dormers that Richardson had designed, significantly altering the building's original appearance. This transformation shows how public buildings change to meet new needs over time.
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