New Salem courthouse sheds some light on judicial matters

November 14, 2011

Salem, Massachusetts: The brand-new Salem courthouse complex, the J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center, is scheduled to open on November 21 and will be a welcome improvement for the area's judges. Architect Joan E. Goody designed the new building to let in as much natural light as possible, providing a better working environment for the judges. Richard L'Heureux, manager of planning, programming and design for the Trial Court of Massachusetts, explained, "The light, air, tranquillity - that is the thing that is needed when you’re under the stress and duress of the amazing trials they are in."

The 195,000 square-foot complex has 11 courtrooms, which will be used by the Essex County Superior Court, Salem District Court, Essex Juvenile Court, and the Housing Court. The Superior Court will be the first to open in the new space, with the other courts expected to follow suit before Christmas.

The courthouse was named after the late Michael Ruane, a state representative from Salem who served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for thirty years. The building cost $109 million.