If it looks like the J. Michael Ruane Justice Center in downtown Salem is about to open, that's because work is finally nearing completion on the complex, which should be ready for occupancy by the fall.
The state's investment in new court facilities in the heart of Salem's historic central business district is particularly heartening in an era when judicial functions statewide are being consolidated and the city is facing the loss of its largest taxpayer, Salem Harbor Station.
Lawyer Christopher Casey, who practices around the corner from the new complex on Washington Street, points out that in the 1970s and '80s attempts were made to relocate the courts from the county seat — Salem — closer to the highway in Peabody or Danvers. Such a move would've been devastating for the downtown, which relies on the activity of the legal community to maintain its vitality.
But due to the efforts of people like the late state Rep. J. Michael Ruane, after whom the new complex is named, Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry, and various mayors and city councilors, not to mention organizations like the Salem Bar Association and Salem Partnership, the decision was finally made to build a new facility next door to the existing courthouses on Federal Street and incorporate the historic First Baptist Church, which will serve as the law library.
At Casey's invitation, Robert A. Mulligan, chief justice for administration and management of the Massachusetts court system, along with members of his team, provided insight on the planning and design of the new complex at a meeting of the Salem Rotary Club on Tuesday.
With the final touches being applied inside and out, the courts — Superior, District and Juvenile — expect to take possession of the new building this summer with an official opening now scheduled for late September or early October. That will be a great day for Salem; and there was more encouraging news last week with the announcement at the Salem Partnership's annual meeting that the state is now committed to proceeding with renovation of the majestic, century-old Probate Court building next door to the new facility.
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