Courthouse Lofts is the redevelopment of the historic Old Worcester County Courthouse into a new 118-unit, mixed-income apartment community with modern features and amenities. A prime example of public/private partnership, Trinity partnered with municipal bodies, state agencies, private funders, and community stakeholders to transform a formerly vacant, iconic civic building into truly diverse, mixed-income housing for families at 30%, 60%, 80%, 120% AMI and unrestricted market-rate tiers. It was one of the first projects in Massachusetts to utilize Income Averaging for Low Income Housing Tax Credits. Affordability is required to be maintained for 51 years for all units under 80% AMI, and for 30 years for units between 80% and 120% AMI. The most unique component of Courthouse Lofts is the public museum that honors the story of a meaningful African American figure through interesting historical artifacts including a Major Taylor-era bicycle and multi-media exhibits.

The careful rehabilitation and renovation process preserved unique and historic features of the building while introducing modern features that balance the historic significance of the building with residential accommodations that are incredibly unique, comfortable, and safe. The exceptionally high ceilings and large windows in many of the former court rooms allowed for the creation of loft-style apartments that feel airy and have enormous historically appropriate windows that provide great views and ample natural light. The renovated building is completely accessible to all. The building’s amenities include a game and media room, arcade games, and lounge areas, a well-equipped fitness center adjacent to a kids’ room where parents can keep an eye on their children while working out, a makerspace, and a lounge space in the grand former Superior Courtroom. Exterior amenities include a playground, dog walk area, and picnic areas in historically restored landscaped areas.

The most sustainable feature of Courthouse Lofts is the re-use of the long vacant, historic building. It would be impossible to replicate the historic 150-year-old materials that were re-used and preserved in the project, including granite masonry, wood flooring, copper roofing, and many other materials. The re-use of these materials rather than building new drastically reduced the embodied carbon utilized by the project. The building is also in a prime-downtown location encouraging residents to walk, bike, or use public-transportation rather than driving.

Courthouse Lofts took a vacant building in a key corridor of the city and created housing that allowed families at all levels of the income spectrum to move into a large city, blocks away from jobs, entertainment, shopping, and transportation. The project not only put people on the streets in an area that was empty for some time but aided in improving the quality of life for many families by putting them next to resources to aid their lives.

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Developer: Trinity Financial, Inc.