NORTHAMPTON — Stewards of the Hampshire County Courthouse are leading a charge to bring in financial reinforcements that would pave the way for continued preservation of the city’s historic downtown landmark.
In an effort to equip lawmakers with information to take back to the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, Todd Ford, executive director for the Hampshire Council of Governments, led lawmakers on a tour of the courthouse center tower’s dilapidated and largely decrepit interior — a portion of the 99 Main St. building that is closed to the general public. The council has its headquarters in the building and is leading the restoration effort.
The site of the courthouse is a hotbed of historical significance. It is the site of the county seat since 1654, witch trials in the 1700s and even Shay’s Rebellion protests in 1786. The greenery outside the front of the building is endearingly known as the “front lawn of Northampton.”
Hampshire Council of Governments leaders previously joined forces with the county legislative delegation and secured $4 million of the State Capital Bond at the end of last session.
But, so far, only $500,000 of that sum has been released by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.
With that first wave of funds, restoration of the courthouse steps, as well as the building’s portico roofs, were completed — the first stage of a four-phase restoration plan.
Next up includes renovation, repair and preservation of the tower, followed by masonry, foundation and window repairs. The final phase calls for repairs of the main entrance portico, among smaller final touches.
Not only is the rapidly deteriorating tower a growing eyesore, but it poses a public safety risk, Ford said. During the tour he held up a 2-foot fragment of lead flashing, several shingles and even a broken-off piece of a weather vane — all items that free-fell from the top of the tower roof, and onto the ground below.
Ford said there is no clear reason why DCAMM has yet to allow access to the remaining funds, beyond the state saying that the balance of the bond could be released “pending a demonstration of strong public support,” according to the Hampshire Council of Governments.
“I can’t really see any rational reason to withhold the funds for the preservation of an active courthouse that is in dire need of restoration — one of the most prominent historical structures in all of western Massachusetts,” he said after the tour.
Among those present at Friday’s tour were Senate President Stanley C. Rosenberg, D-Amherst, state Reps. Peter Kocot, D-Northampton, and Stephen Kulik, D-Worthington.
“I want to be very clear that the delegation, including Senate President Rosenberg … have been excellent and very helpful throughout the entire process,” Ford said. “At this point, it’s raising awareness (to) DCAMM and allowing them to see the critical need for restoration.”
Inside the main tower, the project’s chief architect, Ronald Alex, of Boston Bay Architects, stood atop a rickety staircase teeming with dust and mortar as he talked to the tour group. Directly beneath where he stood, under the staircase, was a bird skeleton.
“Everyone knows your home is only as good as the foundation,” Alex said. “And the foundation here is crumbling.” He continued:
“These bricks,” Alex said, wrapping his fingers around one, “you can actually pull out.”
Although officials are primarily depending on state funds, the Hampshire Council of Governments has secured $283,000 towards the project from communities and local businesses. The council is also requesting another $1 million from all Hampshire County communities. Those who wish to donate may do so at restorethecourthouse.com, where contributors can buy an engraved brick that will be laid on a walkway in front of the courthouse upon the completion of the restoration process, Ford said.
Alex said after the tour that there was no way to really tell how long these efforts could take, and that the timeline was contingent upon how much money the state freed up.
“I think it’s going to take years, but it may not,” he said.
Michael Majchrowicz can be reached at mmajchrowicz@gazettenet.com.