Modernizing an iconic building while preserving its historic charm and ensuring compliance with current safety and accessibility standards is indeed a complex endeavor.
At Thompson & Lichtner we are proud to be involved with the Full Renovation Project at 26 Court Street in Boston. It is there that we provide masonry inspections for all Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) work, and where our expertise both on-site and in our construction materials testing laboratory shows. These inspections are critical to safeguarding the structural integrity of CMU walls as we verify reinforcement placement, size, and anchorage, while also assessing mortar mix, application, and bonding, and inspecting grout placement and consolidation to ensure fully filled cells.
What sets this project apart is not just our technical expertise, but also the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich history surrounding this landmark address.
A Fascinating History
The land at 26 Court Street is believed to be the oldest plot of land continuously owned by the City of Boston according to city records. In the 1600s it was the site of Boston’s first jail (the infamous pirate Captain Kidd was once held there!). Then in 1836 a courthouse was built on the site.
Fourteen years later the federal Fugitive Slave Act (unpopular in Massachusetts) was passed and in 1851 abolitionists stormed the Court Street courthouse to (successfully) rescue a fugitive slave on trial. More attempted but unsuccessful “rescues” of fugitive slaves on trial followed, instigating riots, and galvanizing city residents to become more politically active.
The 1836 courthouse was torn down in 1909, and three years later was replaced by today’s municipal building, repurposing the columns of the old courthouse into the new building in the process. Initially used as a City Hall Annex, in 1969 the Annex moved to the new city hall complex, the building became the headquarters of the Boston School Department and later was leased for offices.
Modernization
Now today’s extensive $100M renovation of 26 Court Street will bring this historic property up to modern times by creating flexible workspaces for several City departments in addition to a welcoming plaza, public library, and gallery. This unique blend of modern engineering processes with the cultural legacy of 26 Court Street exemplifies our dedication to quality and highlights the successful collaboration between historic preservation and contemporary standards. We invite you to explore how Thompson & Lichtner can assist in similar projects, offering innovative solutions that honor historical context.