A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for a new Fall River Trial Court at 186 South Main Street with prominent leaders from state and local government participating in the ceremony.

         Speakers were Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall, Chief Justice for Administration and Management Robert A. Mulligan, District Court Chief Justice Lynda M. Connolly, Superior Court Chief Justice Barbara J. Rouse, State Senator Joan M. Menard, Representatives Michael J. Rodrigues and Robert Correia, Division of Capital Asset Management Commissioner David B. Perini, and Fall River Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr. Chief Justice Mulligan served as master of ceremonies for the event.

         The new Fall River Trial Court will house the Fall River District Court and Bristol County Superior Court criminal sessions. The five-story building with 150,000 square feet will contain nine courtrooms filled with natural light, a law library, administrative offices, jury rooms, and an office for the Bristol County District Attorney's Office. It will feature modern security and technology systems and will be fully handicapped-accessible.

         "I am confident that the spectacular new courthouse to be erected in downtown Fall River will embody and reflect the values of equal justice under the law and will stand as an appropriate monument to the community," said Chief Justice Marshall. "It is a symbol of the continuing rejuvenation of our judicial branch."

         Chief Justice Mulligan said, "This beautiful new courthouse, scheduled to be completed in two years, will provide excellent accommodations for the Fall River District Court and three sessions of the Bristol County Superior Court. I want to thank all in the Legislature, Executive, and Judicial branches who have collaborated to bring this project forward."

         Dimeo Construction will serve as Construction Manager; Finegold Alexander & Associates, Inc. is the designer. The award-winning courthouse design was included in the Justice Facilities Review of the American Institute of Architects, Architecture for Justice. Finegold Alexander also served as architect for the transformation of the former Durfee High School in Fall River to a beautiful, stately courthouse in 1997, which houses the region's Housing, Juvenile, and Probate and Family Courts.

         "After completing new court facilities in Worcester and Plymouth, this project is the first among the next wave of new court facilities to actually move into construction," said Division of Capital Asset Management Commissioner David B. Perini. "Modern court facilities are critical to the efficient operation of the judiciary, and we are thrilled to be able to bring a state-of-the-art court facility, as well as a beautiful new landmark building to downtown Fall River."

         "I am thrilled to be on hand today for the groundbreaking of the new Fall River Trial Court," said Senator Joan M. Menard (D-Fall River). "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in downtown Fall River."

         The new Fall River Trial Court is the first courthouse in the Commonwealth to seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accreditation. The design incorporates high efficiency lighting with an emphasis on maximizing the use of natural daylight. The heating and cooling systems, and other mechanical and electrical systems throughout the building, also will be highly efficient.

         The new Fall River Trial Court is scheduled for completion in fall 2009.