U.S. General Services Administration, U.S. District Court and Second Congressional District of Mass. host opening ceremony for courthouse

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), together with the U.S. District Court and Second Congressional District of Mass. hosted an opening ceremony at 300 State St. to celebrate the completion of the new U.S. Courthouse. Speakers included GSA regional administrator Dennis Smith and Public Buildings Service commissioner David Winstead; honorable Mark Wolf and honorable Michael Ponsor; congressman Richard Neal; architect Moshe Safdie; and mayor Domenic Sarno. monsignor Christopher Connelly delivered the invocation. Reverend Willard Cofield, Jr. delivered the benediction. The program included performances by the Springfield Symphony Quintet and the Federal Chorale. The Springfield Central High School ROTC also participated in the ceremony. "This is indeed a proud moment for all of us as we celebrate the many years of planning, design and construction that have yielded this United States Courthouse," said Smith. "I am delighted that, after many years of hard work, Western Massachusetts has a new federal courthouse that so exquisitely expresses Moshe Safdie's vision of grace and efficiency," stated District Judge Michael A. Ponsor. "If I were a building, this is the building I would want to be." "On a street rich with history and inspired architecture, the United States Courthouse is Springfield's exciting new landmark. With St. Michael's Cathedral, the Alexander House, the Central Library and the Springfield Museums as neighbors, the new federal courthouse is a magnificent addition to the vibrant State Street corridor. After more than ten years of planning, working with Judge Michael Ponsor and Moshe Safdie as partners, I could not be more pleased with this truly elegant structure. And I am certain it will act as a catalyst for future economic development along the city's most important boulevard," said Congressman Richard E. Neal.