Courthouse Lofts

Worcester, MA

12

historic trees preserved

1898–99

Major Taylor captured seven world records for cycling

3

distinct architectural eras

The rebirth and transformation of the historic Worcester County Courthouse into multifamily housing and public museum space honoring cyclist Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor is a critical milestone for the strategic revitalization of Worcester’s Lincoln Square. An iconic landmark structure, the Worcester County Courthouse has proudly stood at the gateway to the city’s institutional district since the 19th century and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The 4-acre site with its landscaped components are an important aspect of the city’s historic context and assist in the interpretation of the district’s character-defining features. The preservation of the 12 substantial and mature trees, site walls, and historic stairways retains the original open space patterns at the entry and sides of the structure. Where new plantings, walkways and seating areas are specified, placement, proportion, and design compatibility within the existing environment were thoughtfully considered. The enhancements quietly articulate the site’s features. DMLA’s resulting design offers a newly constructed play court, improved accessibility and wayfinding, parking for residents, and enhanced lighting for safety.

The reinvigorated public landscape along Main Street is integral to the significance of the property and ensures a successful balance between preservation and change—creating a modern site amenity within a historically significant site, protecting the character and spirit of place, and forming a green urban refuge for future generations.

Courthouse Lofts is one of the most extraordinary adaptive reuse projects our firm has undertaken, and we are delighted to see this project open. Our design team faced the challenge of restoring and combining multiple historic structures from different centuries into a single community, and the result is truly exceptional. This community blends the best of modern living with monumental and exquisitely detailed historic architecture in a one-of-a-kind property.
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Philip Renzi, Senior Project Manager, The Architectural Team
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Project Team

  • Client: Trinity Financial
  • Developer: Trinity Financial
  • Architect: The Architectural Team
  • Civil Engineer: Bohler Engineering
  • General Contractor: Tocci Building Corporation
  • Landscape Contractor: LEI Corporation
  • Nursery: Site One Landscape Supply
  • Photographer: Ed Wonsek, Deborah Myers, Michelle Weidler
  • Architectural Renderer: The Architectural Team

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