Boston—Beginning on March 1, 2004, the Newton District Court will be open for business in a completely renovated courthouse at 1309 Washington Street in West Newton.  Since June 2001, the Newton District Court has been conducting business at the East Cambridge Trial Court.  The move will take place during the weekend of February 27.

            Built in 1930, the Newton District Court courthouse has undergone a comprehensive renovation during the past few years, which included both interior and exterior work. The woodworking and other architectural details of the original courtroom were restored, and a new courtroom was added to the second floor using existing space.  New mechanical, electrical, plumbing and security systems were installed, as well as a new roof and two additional staircases in the rear of the building to improve circulation within the courthouse.  To make it accessible for individuals with handicaps, a ramp was added at the front entrance, along with new elevators, and a fully accessible courtroom.

              The contractor was Bilt-Rite Construction, Inc. of Boston, and the architect was Drummey, Rosane, and Anderson of Newton.  The total project cost was $11.3 million, funded by the 1998 Court Facilities Bond Bill.  The Division of Capital Asset Management oversaw the project with the assistance of the Administrative Office of the Trial Court.

            The Newton District Court’s mailing address is 1309 Washington Street, West Newton, Massachusetts, 02465. The main phone number is 617/244-3600.  The facsimile number for the Clerk’s Office is 617/243-7291; the facsimile number for the Probation Office is 617/243-7292. Judges Dyanne Klein is the First Justice of the Newton District Court.