The battle over the courthouse in Springfield is as much a battle with the Trial Court’s administration as it is with executive branch agency that manages the Commonwealth’s real estate. Thomas Ambrosino, in his capacity as administrator for the Trial Court, had sworn out a
UPDATED 7/15/26 6:07: To clarify the ownership of property the courthouse developers are buying. The selection of Liberty Junction, the proposal for a new Springfield courthouse at 125 Liberty Street, closes a contentious chapter in state-city relations. Replacing the ailing Roderick Ireland Courthouse was a
Given a review of recent history in Springfield, 2025 may have expressed the disgruntlement many expected in 2023. However, the reasons may not be particular to the City of Homes. A foul wind from Washington was blowing and perhaps coloring the municipal electorate as much as anything. Courts also played a larger role in the city’s political fortunes than they had in years.
Earlier this month, a state agency with an officious name, the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), held two public hearings about the replacing the Hampden County Courthouse. These were not about where the state might put the now-styled Springfield Regional Justice Center, which would replace the deteriorating, musty and ostensibly unsafe Brutalist incumbent.
SPRINGFIELD—In what could be the full mayoral field’s last outing, the candidates to lead the City of Homes sparred over crime and economic development. Incumbent Domenic Sarno tried to swipe at his opponents, but faceplanted.
Over $21 million in bonding was before the Springfield City Council last Monday, weeks after Mayor Domenic Sarno successfully pushed his budget through. Nearly all of these were normal capital projects that do not belong in the budget anyway.
The Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse in Springfield, seat of Springfield District Court, Hampden Superior Court and four of the county’s extant officers, is plainly a mess. But did it ever have to get to this point?