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ESSEX COUNTRY NR COURTHOUSE COURTHOUSE The Commonwealth of Massachusetfs'N-EM William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Comm'onwe'altli� -1 Massachusetts Historical Commission February 24,2003 Gail Rosenberg Project Manager Office of Programming Division of Capital Asset Managemetn One Ashburton Place Boston,MA 02108 RE: Essex County Courthouse Complex, Salem, MA Dear Ms. Rosenberg: The Massachusetts Historical Commission(MHC)is in receipt of comments to your office submitted by, Historic Salem, Inc.concerning the Essex County Courthouse project. The MHC looks forward to receiving and reviewing a Project Notification Form for the proposed project in compliance with Massachusetts General Laws,Chapter 9,Sec.26-27c,as amended by Chapter 254 of the Acts of 1988(950 CMR 71.00). MHC regulations encourage consultation early in the planning process for a project. To initiate consultation,please submit a Project Notification Form. For your reference,the MHC's Project Notification Form(PNF)is available on line at www.state.ma.us/sec/mhc/mhcpdf/pnf.l)df or upon request from this office. These comments are offered to assist in compliance with M.G.L.Chapter 9,Section 26-27C,as amended by Chapter 254 of the Acts of 1988(950 CMR 71.00). Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Ann M.Lattinville Director of Architectural Review Massachusetts Historical Commission xc: Salem Historical Commission Historic Salem, Inc. 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 727-8470•Fax: (617) 727-5128 vrww.state.ma.us/sec/mhc CITY OF SALEM MASSACHUSETTS W. GREGORY SENKG PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY PLANNER ONE SALEM GREEN 01970 July 5, 1977 Metropolitan Area Planning Council 44 School Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 Re: Environmental Review Request I.D.#EAF-77-73 Additions and renovations to Salem Courthouse complex Dear Sir: I have reviewed the above Environment Review Request and do not agree with the finding of Mr. Cusack that the addition and alterations to the County Court Complex will not cause significant damage to the environment. I believe this pro- posed work will indeed damage the visual impact of these historic buildings and therefore merits further environmental study. It appears the significance of this addition is being downplayed because it is to the rear of the existing structures. However, the unobstructed rear view of this complex, as seen from Bridge Street, the North River, and Route 114 , has a very impressive impact. Anything done to the rear of these buildings will have a most profound effect on the visual environment and should be carefully studied. One of the most effective entrances to the City of Salem is from Route 114 and over the North Street overpass. (This entrance will be even more significant with the construction of the connector road to route 128 . ) The rear of the Registry building can be seen from North Street for a number of blocks, even before arriving at the overpass. When crossing the overpass, a visitor definitely knows he is entering Salem and here is where he will be getting his first and most important impression. i Metropolitan Area Planning Council July 5 , 1977 -2- The rendering included in the Environmental Impact Assessment does not accurately portray how this addition will affect the existing buildings. A comparison of the rendering and page 4 , "North View" of the photographs will give a more realistic picture of the impact of this project. If this addition were to be built as currently designed, it would adversely affect the Registry of Deeds building and obliterate the Superior Court building. This would result in a very unfavorable first impression to one who is entering a city containing some of the finest architectural treasures in the United States. The impression would be that the City of Salem noes not know how to protect the valuable buildings that have been entrusted to it. The prevalent opinion of most people who have seen this project has been that the monumental design of this addition is a mistake. The three tightly packed buildings, of three widely divergent styles, form a cohesive grouping on a very small site. To add a fourth structure of such a strong and overpowering design to the same tiny site would seriously damage the pleasant visual effect of the historic structures . The Salem Historical Commission has reviewed the plans, (it should be noted that the first time they saw the plans was in March of this year) and has discussed the plans among themselves and with several local architects, and reached the following unanimous consensus: "The three existing buildings are listed as a District on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings are significant not only individually, but also as a complex. Therefore, any modifications or alterations to one building affects not only that building but the entire group. Specifically, it was felt that the proposed addition to the Registry of Deeds was overwhelming in its effect on the Registry and did not relate well to the Registry, Superior Court building, or to the complex taken as a whole. The massiveness and design of the addition is unsympathetic to, and in conflict with, the existing buildings. The addition relates very poorly to the roof of the Registry, destroys the clean lines of the Registry building, and obliterates the Superior Court building as seen from the west. and north. . . Metropolitan Area Planning Council July 5, 1977 -3- it . .We feel that there are other, economically feasible alternatives available which can satisfy the County' s space and functional requirements without causing such an extreme and negative impact on the existing structures. In short, we feel a much better solution is possible. " (These comments were excerpted from a letter to the County Commissioners dated 3/31/77 . A copy of that letter is attached. ) Although Section III.B.4 . , page 3 of the Environmental Impact Assessment states that meetings were held with the Massachusetts Historical Commission, further elaboration on that statement is warranted. Three meetings were held between the architects and the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and the Salem Historical Commission has attended two of these . From the first, the Salem Historical Commission has expressed opposition to the design concept, but because they were informed that the project was then 80% complete, they and the Massachusetts Historical Commission limited their requests for design changes. The most important request was the elimination of the top floor overhang, which would reduce to some extent the obliteration of the Superior Court building. However, on May 31 , the County Commissioners voted not to accept this design change. Therefore, I feel that due to the continuing contro- versy over this addition, and due to the strong impact this addition will have on this very important complex, the proposal merits further environmental study. Very truly yours, W. Gregory Senko City Planner WGS/kms cc Walter J. Poitrast Director of Bureau of Building Construction Massachusetts Historical commission Salem Historical Commission 6 10-300 IRev.10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OFTHE INTERIOR FOR NPS USE ONLY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES .RECEIVED. INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM DATE ENTERED "'V {!7L? SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPL ETE NA TIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS NAME - Old Granite Courthouse ( Coal\yr (�Q�[ xls7oRlc Superior Courthouse - f' Registry of 'Deeds and,Probate Building AND/ORCOMMON Old Granite Courthouse .(Engineers Office) Registry of Deeds and Superior Courthouse (Clerk of Courts Building) Probate Building LOCATION STREET&NUMBER 32 Federal Street —NOT FOR PUBLICATION CITY.TOWN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Salem _ VICINITY OF sixth STATE _ CODE. COUNTY CODE MR49arhn CP1'1'C 025 Essex 00 _ CLASSIFICATION - CATEGORY OWNERSHIP STATUS PRESENT USE _DISTRICT -x—PUBLIC x OCCUPIED —AGRICULTURE _MUSEUM ' BUILDINGIS) _PRIVATE _UNOCCUPIED -- _COMMERCIAL —PARK —STRUCTURE _BOTH - _WORK IN PROGRESS —EDUCATIONAL _PRIVATE RESIDENCE . -SITE PUBLIC ACQUISITION ACCESSIBLE _ENTERTAINMENT _RELIGIOUS OBJECT -1N PROCESS R YES: RESTRICTED XGOVERNMENT` —SCIENTIFIC -BEING CONSIDERED _YES:UNRESTRICTED —INDUSTRIAL _TRANSPORTATION —NO _MILITARY _OTHER: OWNER OF PROPERTY NAME County of .Essex - - STREET&NUMBER - - - - - 32 Federal RtreeL CITY.TOWN STATE Salem VICINITY OF Massachusetts 01940 LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION COURTHOUSE. REGISTRY OF DEEDS,ETC. Registry of Deeds - STREET&NUMBER - 32 Federal Street CITY.TOWN - - STATE -Salem Massachusetts 01940 REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS - TITLE Inventory of the Historic Assets of the Commonwealth DATE 1975 _FEDERAL -VSTATE _COUNTY _LOCAL DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEYRECORDS Massachusetts Historical Commission CITY.TOWN STATE Boston Massachusetts 02108 PA9SCRIPTION CONDITION CHECK ONE CHECK ONE -EXCELLENT -DETERIORATED 4--UNALTERED X ORIGINALSITE X GOOD -RUINS X ALTERED _MOVED DATE -FAIR -UNEXPOSED , DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL(IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE The Essex County Court buildings are three county government buildings located on Federal Street in Salem. Built to meet the expanding needs of Essex County, the ' buildings illustrate changes in architecture over a period; of,68 years. e The Old Granite Courthouse (Engineers Office) was designed in 1839 by Boston architect Richard Bond and built in 1841 by contractors Samuel s. Standley and Henry Russell, Jr. of Salem. The cost of the building was about eighty thousand dollars and-,its work- manship throughout is excellent. The smooth-faced Rockport granite building was designed in the Greek Revival style with temple-fronted north and south elevations and a massiveness that belies its relatively small size. The classical fronts have f ° fluted granite columns in antis. Each column. is composed of a single shaft of granite 3 feet 10 inches in diameter and 32 feet high, including base and capital. Finely sculpted and proportioned Egyptian lotus capitals provide the main decorative element of this otherwise austere classical composition. Inside the building brick arches provide support for the floors, and granite steps cantilevered into the massive walls furnish access from the first to the second story. The Superior Courthouse (Clerk of Courts Building) adjoins the Old Granite Courthouse but provides a distinct contrast to it in style and material. The Superior Courthouse was designed by Enoch Fuller and dedicated on October 3, 1862. In 1889 the building was enlarged and altered to its present Romanesque Revival appearance. The architects of this metamorphosis were Wheelwright and Northend. The Superior Courthouse is brick with brownstone trim. A three-story central pavilion projects from the Federal Street facade with its primary feature being a Richardsonian arched entranceway. Brownstone banding connects the tops of the first-floor windows and the bottoms of the second-story windows. The banding also links the arches of the second-story windows. Other features of the building include a stairtower on the east side and two turrets to the rear (north) . On the interior, the first floor contains a courtroom and commo- dious rooms occupied by the Clerk of Courts. On the second floor is another courtroom and the law library which is dominated by a' massive 'Richardsonian fireplace. The Registry of Deeds and Probate Building was officially opened in August 1909. Clarence H. Blackall of Boston was the architect, and the contractors were Woodbury and Leighton, also of Boston. Connected to the Superior Courthouse by an underground tunnel, this building is the largest of the three with a total of 44,220 square feet. Six huge fluted Ionic columns signal the entranceway to this classical edifice. Above the main doors elaborate ornamentation consists of shell-like patterns which encircle a Greek soldier's head. The projecting portico is flanked by .two wings divided into five bays by granite pilasters. The cornice is adorned with dentils. The building presently houses. the Essex County Southern District Registry of Deeds on the first floor. The second floor, consisting of two courtrooms and a large record room,, is occupied by the Registry of Probate. !� I I I i i j SIGNIFICANCE PERIOD AREAS OF SIGN I FICANCE--CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW _PREHISTORIC J+RCHEULUGY-PREHISTORIC —COMMUNITY PLANNING —LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE _RELIGION ! _1400-1499 -ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC _CONSERVATION _LAW .. —SCIENCE - _1500-1599 —AGRICULTURE —ECONOMICS _LITERATURE —SCULPTURE _1600-1699 X _EDUCATION _MILITARY •- _SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN -ARCHITECTURE _1700-1799 —ART _ENGINEERING _MUSIC —THEATER I X_1800-1899 —COMMERCE —EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT —PHILOSOPHY —TRANSPORTATION fX POLITICS/GOVERNMENT _OTHER ISPECIFYI S 1900- —COMMUNICATIONS —INDUSTRY _INVENTION _ I SPECIFIC DATES BUILDER/ARCHITECT ' ' STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE - "- The Essex County Court 'buildings illustrate the growth and the changing needs of the Salem and Essex County courts and represent impressive examples of three architectural styles. r The Old Granite Courthouse replaced a 1785 courthouse and townhouse on a nearby site on Washington Street. The earlier courthouse was the work of noted architect Samuel McIntire and was the scene of a ceremonial visit by George Washington. ]:ts demolition was necessitated by the construction of. a railroad tunnel under Washington Street in 1839. The present Granite Courthouse housed all of Salem's courts as well as the county offices from the time of its opening in 1842 to 1862 when the Superior Courthouse was constructed next door. In 1889 the lower floor was remodelled to accomodate the Registry of Deeds and in 1910 it was again adapted for use as county offices. Today the building is used by the County Engineers and County Commissioners. The architect, Richard Bond, was one of the most progressive young architects in the area, and, along with men like Solomon Willard and Alexander Parris, popularized granite as a building stone of great durability and impressive appearance. f The Superior Courthouse (Clerk of Courts Building) also serves as a reminder of Salem's judicial past. The interior is. embellished with a number of oil portraits of dis- tinguished members of the bar. Over the bench in the front courtroom hangs a fine full-length portrait of Chief Justice T�emuel Shaw painted by William M. Hunt and con- sidered a masterpiece of that distinguished artist. Among the other things preserved in the building are the manuscripts of testimony from the famous .witch trials. The Registry of Deeds and Probate Court Building contains records of wills and deeds dating from 1640, and is a fitting complement to the other two county buildings. } 1 4 1 i 1 • I I VIMAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Arrington, Benjamin F. Municipal History of Essex County in Massachusetts, Vol. I. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1922. Essex Institute. Visitors' Guide of Salem. Salem, Massachusetts. Historical Collections of the Essex Institute, Vol. XLVII. April 1911, No. 2. The Court Houses in Salem, Sidney Perley. Along the Coast of Essex County. Boston: Junior League, 1970. i , GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY UTM REFERENCES A11119 1 1314 ,411 ,410 K J 0t9�4,010J BI LL�J I ZONE EASTING NORTHING ZONE EASTING NORTHING CL-JLl-L.l , LjIII I DL,JLI -L-IIIIIrltltll VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES - STATE _ CODE - COUNTY . . . _ CODE STATE - CODE - COUNTY CODE ®FORM PREPARED BY NAME/TITLE Judy D. Dobbs, National Register Editor and Kevin P.. Burke ORGANIZATION DATE Massachusetts Historical Commission November 1 , 1975 . t STREET&NUMBER _ _ - TELEPHONE - t 294 Washington Street 617-727-8470 CITY OR TOWN _ _ _ _ STATE Boston Massachusetts 02108 ®STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER CERTIFICATION THE EVALUATED SIG N I FI_CANCE OF THIS PROPERTY WITHIN THE STATE IS: NATIONAL_ - STATE_ - LOCALX As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665), I Ihereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the i criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Se ice. {{{' STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER SIGNATURE G'ifX-C.T/h f TITLE DATE�� tS Executive Director Massachusetts Historical commission 1 11t FUR NPV,USEONL�Y,; i ' .. t l HE!'EBY TIMTHAT PROPERTY iS INCL.UQED IN THE NAT1QIilAL REGISTER DATE•, DIRECTOR OFFICE OF ARCHEOLOGY AN1)Ht5TORIG PRESERVATION ATTEST OAT , KcE?i R OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER cPoeee-aas s i _ 1 s b P 17 }V..Z... a.' [ Y W { l � h t.• T v W u"E' rs a fA s � t `o5.-as !i 1 � i � U � g�yyp $ ( ';Zf 4N�{yIf r�� Il'1 ; Y„�$! + ; T'�Z�•` - 1 y P . r. 11 �• Y �•�^��.YTs'--n'�'.yyr ��+' A µ.Y"1 99 Y 5 � •gyy4?^ ( �..v ... .- .. -A4:a%X%43.u,-+.raAov Kv.`.m'+�y"� , `S��Y•,y`�� UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF l HE INTERIOR FOR NPS USE ONLY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE _ NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES RECEIVED PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM ATE ENTERED SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH NAME Old Granite Courthouse HISTORIC Superior Courthouse '.. Registry of Deeds and Probate Building AND/OR COMMON Old Granite Courthouse (Engineers Office) Registry of Deeds and Superior Courthouse (Clerk of Courts Building) Probate Buildin LOCATION CITY.TOWN Salem _VICINITY OF COUNTY Essex -- STATE MA PHOTO REFERENCE PHOTO CREDIT Ronald A. Barnes DATEOFPHOTO 1975 NEGATIVE FILED AT Essex County Engineering Department 32 Federal Street, Salem 01940 IDENTIFICATION DESCRIBE VIEW,DIRECTION,ETC-IF DISTRICT.GIVE BUILDING NAME&STREET PHOTO NO 1 Looking down Federal Street west from Washington Street. Left to right: Registry of Deeds and Probate Building, Superior Courthouse, Old Granite Courthouse rwn mra voc.0 NLT NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES RECEIVED PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM AT£ENTERED - SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH ` NAME old Granite Courthouse HISTORIC Superior Courthouse Registry of Deeds and Probate Building AND/OR COMMON Old. Granite Courthouse (Engineers Office) Registry of Deeds and Superior Courthouse (Clerk of Courts Building) Probate Building LOCATION j CITY.TOWN. Salem _VICINITY OF COUNTY Q}}I ESSEX -STATE Iv]A 41 PHOTO REFERENCE S PHOTO CREDIT Ronald A. Barnes DATE OF PHOTO 1975 4 f NEGATIVE FILED AT Essex County Engineering Department 4 32 Federal Street, Salem 01940 I IDENTIFICATION DESCRIBEVIEW,DIRECTION.ETC.IF DISTRICT.GIVE BUILDING NAME&STREET PHOTO NO 2 View looking north across Federal Street at front (southern) and eastern side of the Old Granite Courthouse. I F.,N. 10 301x.._---___. • 19ev. 19-T.1 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FOR NPS USE ONLY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES RECEIVED PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM ATEENTERED SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH NAME Old Granite Courthouse Superior Courthouse HISTORIC Registry of Deeds and Probate Building 1 AND/ORCOMMON Old Granite Courthouse (Engineers Office) Registry of Deeds an Superior Courthouse (CleXn—^f io>-rts Rn' ld'nal P oba P Rni ldina LOCATION VICINITY OF COUNTY Essex STATE MA _ CITY.TOWN Salem - PHOTO REFERENCE PHOTO CREDIT Ronald A. Barnes DATE OF PHOTO 1975 NEGATIVE FILED AT Essex County Engineering Department 32 Federal Street Salem 01940 IDENTIFICATION DESCRIBE VIEW,DIRECTION,ETC.IF DISTRICT.GIVE BUILDING NAME&STREET PHOTO NO 3 View looking north across Federal Street at the front and western side of the Superior Courthouse. RECEIVED' NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM ATE,ENTERED SEE INSTRUCTIONS I N NOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH NAME Old Granite Courthouse HISTORIC Superior Courthouse Registry of Deeds and Probate Building Registry of Deeds and AND/ORCOMMON Old Granite Courthouse (Engineers Office) 1 c (Clerk of Courts Building) Probate Building LOCATION _VICINITY OF COUNTY Essex STATE MA CITY.TOWN Salem � _ PHOTO REFERENCE DATE OF PHOTO 1975 PHOTO CREDIT Ronald A. Barnes NEGATIVE FILED AT Essex County Engineering Department 32 Federal Street, Salem 01940 IDENTIFICATION ! PHOTO NO 4 DESCRIBE VIEW.DIRECTION.ETC.IF DISTRICT.GIVE BUILDING NAME&STREET 1 View looking south across Bridge Street at the north elevation 1 of the Superior Courthouse. L s ia t. - ,T s r'r; C 1 t. 7 r r�r✓ ,rte n.�'S�'. �'"�'+ d. �, i`� ._ _. l t `t+-'� ��f��i�t��r(�r� ''+� t ��v�•��\��'v\ ��t;7"��'I."' �:ti `.�P+ ,�` �4 F�^ti i [ ri t y dl ✓' eg FY �'Fmf '�"*a ,r. ► 10 f 4 Ar ,"_,f7 � �.ryi a i. i'1 Z� k��:-, _ r, a` r k 1 gg� F P. r� a �. �s7•J' �•�, 2 Y6i �a�F � .�y! ��o �: X }''*�.:` � Y � � 4 '�'`._ � a� 1 ��'��1 i ��. ":i' '" �* 4t + .xs'^:;, •� ., r I � ��,� � ��s w.�r ,� � .e ,r``.•�} 1 ay� s, r , „ r t . IL.M� Al ,a `'{7 4P3�4" s, «t �'a �'x-x«9 r7Fx�� {«T �,• t. a� �. �v♦�6'k"' S �#. ^ j1 •p"� lrvhY_ '9ewy .i y xa yl`� 'wa � d`. � � �151� [^• F3 `tel11; - 1 i i Form No. 301a - Ieev. . UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR . FOR NPS USE ONLY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES RECEIVED II i PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM ATE ENTERED SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH NAME Old Granite Courthouse Superior Courthouse HISTORIC Registry of Deeds and Probate Building e AND/OR COMMON Old Granite Courthouse (Engineers Office) Registry of Deeds and Guperior Courthouse (Clerk of Courts Building) Probate BuildiM LOCATION CITY,TOWN Salem —VICINITY OF COUNTY ESSEX STATE MA i PHOTO REFERENCE ! PHOTO CREDIT Ronald A. Barnes DATE OF PHOTO 1975 NEGATIVE FILED AT Essex County Engineering Department 32 Federal Street Salem 01940 IDENTIFICATION DESCRIBE VIEW.DIRECTION,ETC.IF DISTRICT.GIVE BUILDING NAME&STREET PHOTO NO 5 View looking northwest across Federal Street at front facade of the Registry of Deeds and Probate Building. - _ - — NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY MAP FORM RECEIVED ( SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES-- ENCLOSE WITH MAP NAME Old Granite Courthouse _ HISTORIC Superior Courthouse Registry of Deeds and Probate Building AND/ORCOMMON Old Granite Courthouse (Engineers Office) Registry of Deeds and I Superior Courthouse (Clerk of Courts Building) Probate Building ddd( LOCATION CITY.TOWN Salem _VICINITY OF COUNTY Essex STATE NIA i MAP REFERENCE i SOURCE USGS, Salem Quadrangle i SCALE 1:24000 DATE 1970 IM REQUIREMENTS TO BE INCLUDED ON ALL MAPS 1..PROPERTY BOUNDARIES INT: 298e-75 2. NORTH ARROW 3. UTM REFERENCES I p r rn l ,, a }f fiiF LSI > >'E�°'xc �t jaf iki �,�. { i,'*�.� ,1��,� � � �, ,ani �� !r� °�#'yt i'�j •�'j�,� , �. � � p �.'iyal,,;l•att11{{(.......�aR%Y�{a .t13".e'+'�,. ...�f" r«L�. `�p�,�yafJ4'r�p'��F' t' ltJ�'�" y�� E '"� t��baa • � � Yyr'ts�Z:1 !14�'. ' y Y al tib; ♦y��ij � " �j � • .`� 1 � � ��'. h �:,. low In r� 3R'=•"'.- 'c'i. 'did o CSLr e � O� � �r2� ��,✓Rocks Pt�� t o G4 \ E � ' °O l :' ;� � � ;: ��BEV&RBI'/ °'i1 ``HARBOR t Mal 6 1 b etat J / i ro a 4710 o t' Salem. Old Granite Courthouse 1 aeM T �E I, eye' J pO •® ® n Superior Courthouse , g y i Re istr of Deeds and , Park H h o;/ I � ommo - o^ Salem TLPrm nal Probate Building Gam„ 1 3' UTM: 19/344140/4709400 \'R"Derby \\ wharf • t 3,2 I \ mLtA m� _Long,Pt__ Q. /_.. .11-, Ve e \F\�i n " " c sr almer � - ';ri�O5`pu-a��-lam`• �� ✓J� � � Q 4708 , ark *Picker gPt W n` \(�� l 2nd ♦ yN ?t` _ vo7mom.N. 42°30' 343 344 + • �ereAoa-oeoLOGi«La WASHINGG.o.c °r: m . SWAMPSCOTT 2.3 Ml.z '� �o 70°52'30'3450m.E ROAD CLASS` ICATION v Prir ary highway, Li ht-duty road, hard or �0< har, surface-_._- im roved surface........- .�BmyF Sec ndary highway, '-90 har surface............_. Unimproved road...-..._________ �Fteo� T� Interstate Route 0U.S. Route 0State Route MA$$. MANGLE LOCATION SALEM, MASS. N4230—W7052.5/7.5 R 1970 AMS 6869 III SW-SERIES V814 � I - .rl + FomlN5. 10-300a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FOR NPS USE ONLY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE E RECEIVED NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM DATE ENTERED f I t CONTI NUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER 7 & 8 PAGE 1 I I #7: The Old Granite Courthouse is two stories high and is three bays wide and six bays deep. The building has a ridge roof with the gable end facing the street. The entablature is devoid of ornamentation. i The Superior Courthouse is a two story building with a hip roof. The facade is three bays wide and the central entrance is located in the projecting pavilion. Above the broad archway of the entrance, the second floor opening is divided into four parts by three columns and above are interlaced brownstone arches. On the third floor, in the gable of the projection, the window is divided into two parts by a single column and above is an arch in which is written 1861-1891 (representing the two periods of construction on the building) . Three ridge roof dormers project from either side of the roof and this main section of the courthouse extends back six bays to another three-bay section where it meets a rear ridge roof section perpendicularly. At this juncture on the east side of the building (next to the Granite Courthouse) is a tower. Also contributing to the assymetrical and picturesque quality of the building is the placement of two turrets on the northeast and northwest corners of the building. Another section of the building projects one bay and has a chimney which runs from the street to just above the gable. The overall massing of the building is complex, but provides a pleasing con- trast to the symmetry and regularity of its classical neighbors. The projecting portico of the Registry of Deeds and Probate Building, with its six two-story columns, is quite the opposite of the in antis treatment of the more modest and severe Granite Courthouse. On either side are five bay wings with windows of eight-over-eight sash. Between the first and second floor windows are blank panels. Although the largest of the three courthouses, this building continues the scale of its two neighbors and does not overwhelm them. #8: Architecturally the Essex County Court Buildings are significant because they form a record of the development of styles of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In contrast to the well-known Federal residences of the era of Salem's maritime prosperity and the other fine nineteenth century residential streets in the city, these monumental court buildings form a distinct unit, representing a more regional history. As one crosses the North River in approaching the center of Salem, the three buildings are the most prominent aspect of the view. Each building contrasts with its neighbor in style and in materials, but the streetscape presented by the three together provides a cohesiveness of scale and rhythm. FORM B - BUILDING In Area no. Form no. MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION L Office of the Secretary, State House, Boston 1. Town Salem, Mass, Address 32 Federal St. Essex County Superior Courthouse - Name & Clerk of Courts R Present use same 2. Present owner County of Essex 3. Description: P� Date 1862 'd: `. `�.,� �- �� 1' '• Source County Records Style Romanesque Revival 4. Map. Draw sketch of building location Architect Enoch Fuller in relation to nearest cross streets and other buildings. Indicate north. Exterior wall fabric Brownstone & Brick Outbuildings (describe) Bridge street j + Other features I y o v Qi Addition "I Altered to rear Date 1889 Z� (B) (C) (A) Moved Date N ro 3' 5. Lot size: One acre or less Over one acre 2.05 Federal Street Approximate frontage 56 Approximate distance of building from street 24 O NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE 6. Recorded by Ronald A. Barnes USGS Quadrant Organization Essex County Eng, Dept, HC Photo no. Date June 19, 1975 (over) 7. Original owner (if known) County of Essex Original use Superior Courthouse & Clerk of Court Subsequent uses (if any) and dates none 8. Themes (check as many as applicable) Aboriginal Conservation Recreation Agricultural Education Religion Architectural X Exploration/ Science/ The Arts settlement invention Commerce Industry Social/ Communication Military humanitarian Community development Political Transportation 9. Historical significance (include explanation of themes checked above) Some interastirig..details adorn this -building. Upon entering the law library one is confronted by a fireplace so massive that, similar to the one in the Castle of Chillon, it seems to dominate the whole room. Oil portraits of distinguished members of the bar embellish that room. A fine full-length portrait of Chief Justice Lemuel Shaw, painted by the late William M. Hunt, hangs over the ,judge 's bench in the front courtroom, and, is considered a masterpiece of that distinguished artist. The most important relics to be found here are exhibited in the Clerk of Courts' Office. Here can be found, in manuscript, all the testimony preserved in the famous witchcraft trials. Also, the original "Witch pins", supposedly used by the witches to afflice others, are displayed here. 10. Bibliography and/or references (such as local histories, deeds, assessor's records, early maps, etc.) 1. Municipal History of Essex County in Massachusetts, Volume 1, Benjamin F. Arrington, 1922, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, New York. 2. 'Visitors Guide of Salem; the Essex Institute, Salem, Mass, 3. Historical Collections of the Essex Institute, Vol. XLVII, April 1911, No. 2. The Court Houses in Salem, Sidney Perley. l}. Xong the Coast of Essex County, 1970, by the Junior League of Boston. Y �-J FORM B - BUILDING In Area no. Form no. MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION L LCI I rB) Office of the Secretary, State House, Boston 1. Town Sslem, Masa Address 32 Federal Street NameReaiatry of Deeda & Probate Cour, Present use same gPresent owner County of Essex - — 3. Description: _ _ l Date 1909 Source County Records Style Classical Greek Revival R. 4. Map. Draw sketch of building location Architect Clarence H. Blackall in relation to nearest cross streets and other buildings. Indicate north. Exterior wall fabric Granite & Brick Bridge Street Outbuildings (describe) none a l Other features 11i CI o: tr Altered Date (B) (C) (A) x Moved Date m ro 5. Lot size. One acre or less Over one acre 2.05 Federal Street Approximate frontage 191 Approximate distance of building from street 32 O NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE 6. Recorded by Ronald A. Barnes USGS Quadrant Organization Essex Cdunty Ena DeUt, HC Photo no. Date June 19, 1975 (over) rr 7. Original owner (if known) Counts of Essex Original use Registry of Deeds and Probate Court Subsequent uses (if any) and dates 8. Themes (check as many as applicable) Aboriginal Conservation Recreation Agricultural Education Religion i Architectural X Exploration/ Science/ The Arts settlement invention 1 Commerce Industry Social/ . Communication Military humanitarian Community development Political _� Transportation 9. Historical significance (include explanation of themes checked above) This building functions as the Registry of Deeds and Probate Court. It contains records of old wills and deeds dating from 1640 disclosing many a clue to old family estates and relationships. These are indeed historical artifacts and describe much about early settlers and their moretical codes. 10. Bibliography and/or references (such as local histories, deeds, assessor's records, early maps, etc.) 1. Municipal History of Essex County in Massachusetts, Volume 1, BenJamiri F. Arrington, 1922, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, New York. 2. 'Visitors Guide of Salem; the Essex Institute, Salem, Mass. 3. Historical Collections of the Essex Institute, Vol. XLVII, April 1911, No. 2. The Court Houses in Salem, Sidney Perley, 4. Along the Coast of Essex County, 1970, by the Junior League of Boston. FORM B - BUILDING In Area no. Form no. MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION L. Office of the Secretary, State House, Boston 1. Town Salem, Mass. Address 32 Federal Street Name Old Granite Courthouse Present use County Administrative 2. Offices y j Present owner County of Essex I ; 3. Description: Date 1841 o `La Source County Records Style Greek Revival 4. Map. Draw sketch of building location Architect Richard Bond in relation to nearest cross streets and other buildings. Indicate north. Exterior wall fabric Granite -- Outbuildings (describe) Stair hall to Bridge Street basement. a.i Other features v I V � La a; 4: Altered Date a, .H Moved Date (B) (C) (A) [ N ro 5. Lot size: 3 One acre or less Over one acre 2.05 Federal Street Approximate frontage 53 Approximate distance of building from street �4 DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE 6. Recorded by Ronald A. Barnes ` USGS Quadrant Organization Essex County SAg, Dept. HC Photo no. Date June 19, 1975 (over) t 7. Original owner (if known) Essex County Original use' Courthouse and county administrative offices Subsequent uses (if any) and dates 8. Themes (check as many as applicable) Aboriginal Conservation Recreation Agricultural Education Religion g'x' g Architectural X Exploration/ Science/ The Arts settlement invention Commerce Industry Social/ Communication Military humanitarian Community development Political X Transportation' 9. Historical significance (include explanation of themes checked above) f This is the oldest remaining courthouse in Salem. One of its predecessors was used for Salem's famous witchcraft prosecutions. A second courthouse, built in 1713, was used for the General Court in 1728 and 1729. Salemis citizens denounced the Stamp Act of 1765 in it, and, in 1769 the tax on tea. In 1774 delegates to the First Continental Congress were chosen in this courthouse in defiance of General Gage. Another courthouse built in 1785 was the work of the noted architect Samuel McIntire. George Washington was presented to the townspeople here October 29, 1789 while on his Eastern tour. In --1341 -the Old Granite courthouse was built. This building serves as a reminder of Salem's famous judicial past. Its architectural beauty continued to perpetuate our granite-like hope in our Judicial system. 10. Bibliography and/or references (such as local histories, deeds, assessor's records, early maps, etc.) 1. Municipal History of Essex County in Massachusetts, Volume 1, Benjamin F. Arrington, 1922, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, New York. 2.`Visitors Guide of Salem; the Essex Institute, Salem, Mass. 3. Historical Collections of the Essex Institute, Vol. XLVII, April 1911, No. 2. The Court Houses in Salem, Sidney Perley. 4. Along the Coast of Essex County, 1970, by the Junior League of Boston. i � `clAllAE DD,r¢ Salem lHistorical Commission CITY HALL. SALEM, MASS. 01970 - March 31, 1977 Essex County Commissioners 32 Federal Street Salem, MA 01970 Dear Commissioners : We have been asked to review the proposed addition to the Essex County Registry of Deeds . Accordingly, the members of the Commission have discussed the plans, and have contacted several local architects for their comments. From these discussions a unanimous consensus has evolved. The three existing buildings are listed as a District on the . National Register of Historic Places . The buildings are significant not only individually, but also as a complex. Therefore, any modifications or alterations to one building affects not only that building but the entire group. Specifically, it was felt that the proposed addition to the Registry of Deeds was overwhelming in its effect on the Registry and. did not relate well to the Registry, Superior Court building or to the complex taken as a whole. The massiveness and design of the addition is unsympathetic to and in conflict with the existing buildings. Th-: addition relates very poorly to the roof of the Registry, destroys the clean lines of the Registry building, and obliterates the Superior Court building as seen from the west and north. Also, the proposed ramping and connection systems between the buildings seems to be imposed, rather than integrated with existing conditions. We want to assure ,you that our objections are not with the concept of expansion per se--which we understand the need for-- but only with this particular proposal. We feel that there are other, economically feasible alternatives available which can satisfy the County' s space and functional recuirements without causing such an extreme and negative impact on the existing structures . In short , ..,e feel a much better solution is Dessible. Essex County Commissioners -2- March 31 , 1977 Accordingly, we would. like to suggest that a meeting be scheduled as soon as possible so that the proposed expansion can be fully and constructively discussed, e look forward to hearing from you and working with you on this project. Salem Historical Commission by Richard Savickey, Chairman cc: Massachusetts Historic Commission Bedar and Alpers , Architects Bureau of Building Construction Essex County Engineer, James R. Carlin Salem Planning Department Salem City Solicitor �\ ✓�a�oac�udelG ��ConicaC �a»tmiiJ9iavz Paul Guzzi /s0 �iacosc �GNeel �i�lon, ae�ac�i� 0108 72740470 NOTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION Date 7/9/75 To Salem Historical Commission Mr. Raymond L. Chalifour, Chairman Address City Hall Salem, MA 01940 From Massachusetts Historical Commission The :Massachusetts Historical Commission, is pleased to inform you that the following properties have been voted eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places by the Commission acting as the State Review Board. Under Executive Order 11593, a property is afforded protection from adverse effect caused by publicly funded or licensed projects when it has been voted eligible for nomination to the National Register. The Commission staff will process the nomination form and submit it to the National Park Service. When we have received their determination, we will advise you. If you have any questions, or need further information, please contact Mrs. Patricia Weslowski at the Commission office. Telephone: (617) 727-8470. Property Address Date voted eligible Old Granite Courthouse (Engineers' Office) Superior Court House (Clerk of Courts Building) 32 Federal Street 7/8/75 Registry of Deeds and Probate Court Building XC: Planning Board Ron Barnesp lhgineering Department