The John Adams Courthouse in Boston, MA, houses the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the Oliver Wendell Holmes Court, two Appeals Courts, and the Social Law Library, along with all support and ancillary spaces. A century overdue for thorough renovation, design/planning began in 1994 and construction finished in 2004. Listed on both the State and National Historic Registers, preservation and restoration were essential, requiring creative adaptation of historic features for improved acoustics, and seamless integration of modern audio-visual capabilities. 

All new mechanical, communications, technology, broadcasting, and safety systems were incorporated; outdated light wells were converted into 50,000 sq ft of new floorspace; new parking garages were constructed in the basement; and major mechanical equipment was inserted; all without expanding the building footprint.

• 344,285 sq ft

• $117M Construction Cost

Architect:  Childs, Bertman, Tseckares; Boston, MA

Contact:  David Hancock, AIA       617/262-4354

Acoustical consulting provided as a Cavanaugh Tocci Associates, Sudbury, MA, project, K. Anthony Hoover, FASA, Principal Consultant.