Board emphasizes courthouse’s role as essential civic and economic infrastructure within the Springfield Business Improvement District

SPRINGFIELD, MA — September 2026 — The Springfield Business Improvement District’s Board of Directors is unanimous in its position that the Hampden County Courthouse should remain within the core of the Springfield Business Improvement District

“The Springfield Business Improvement District Board is unanimous in its position that the courthouse should remain within the core of the Springfield Improvement District. Its presence supports an established economic ecosystem of law offices, social service providers, restaurants, small businesses, and commercial properties that rely on the daily activity generated by the courts. As owner of One Financial Plaza, I am already seeing uncertainty around how the courthouse will affect lease discussions, with tenants increasingly reluctant to make long-term commitments. Relocating the courts outside the walkable downtown business district will have broader implications for occupancy, investment, and the long-term stability of downtown and as the Commonwealth moves forward, we encourage meaningful engagement with downtown stakeholders not only on the economic impacts of relocation, but also on the future of the existing courthouse site and the significant redevelopment opportunity it represents.” – Evan Plotkin, SBID Board Member and Owner of One Financial Plaza.

Over the years, significant public and private resources have been invested in strengthening the Springfield Business Improvement District. These investments are most effective when they build upon one another with government, public institutions, housing, business and entertainment all contributing to a walkable, active, vibrant, and sustainable downtown.

The courthouse is part of that foundation.

The future location of the courthouse will have a lasting impact on the Business Improvement District. As a major civic and economic anchor, its presence strengthens the businesses, properties, and investments surrounding it. The BID Board believes protecting the economic infrastructure must be a critical part of the decision-making process to continue to protect the generations of investment already made in the heart of Downtown.

At the same time, the future of the existing courthouse property cannot be treated as a secondary consideration. Its eventual reuse or redevelopment will have a lasting impact on the district and presents a significant opportunity for downtown Springfield.

“We support the need for a courthouse that is safe, modern, accessible, and equipped to serve Hampden County for decades to come,” said Michelle Grout, Executive Director of the Springfield Business Improvement District. “But the conversation does not end with where the courthouse goes. What happens to the existing site is equally important. Its reuse should remain a priority and be considered alongside its relocation, because both decisions will shape the economic vitality, connectivity, and future of downtown Springfield for decades to come.”

For More Information: Michelle Grout, Executive Director of the Springfield Business Improvement District michelle@springfielddowntown.com | 413.781.1591 | springfielddowntown.com

ABOUT THE SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT: The Springfield Business Improvement District’s mission is to facilitate growth within the downtown community and utilize resources efficiently. City revitalization will be achieved through increased marketing and visibility, partnerships with cultural organizations, keeping the streets safe and clean, improving and renewing infrastructure, and focusing on developing local business. Through these outlets, we aim to build a city which attracts a wide audience to live, work, and play.