The John W. McCormack Federal Post Office and Court House, located in Boston, Massachusetts, was completed in 2009 and features Black Locust Lumber's decking solutions. The project aimed to create functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces and terraces.
Suffolk Construction
Suffolk Construction is a premier national construction management firm founded in 1982 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Suffolk provides a wide range of services including preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, and design-build services.
Goody Clancy
Goody Clancy is an award-winning architecture, planning, and preservation firm based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in creating transformative environments that foster discovery, community, innovation, and opportunity.
Andropogon Associates, Ltd.
Andropogon Associates, Ltd. is a leading landscape architecture and ecological design firm founded in 1975. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the firm is committed to the principle of "designing with nature," creating landscapes that are both beautiful and environmentally sustainable.
Project Name: John W. McCormack Federal Post Office and Court House
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Year: 2009
Architect: Goody Clancy
Landscape Architect: Andropogon
Firm (Contractor): Suffolk Conscruction
Product Used: Decking Solutions for Outdoor Spaces and Terraces
LEED-NC Gold certification
The John W. McCormack Federal Post Office and Courthouse, located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, represents a thoughtful integration of federal functionality, architectural beauty, and environmental responsibility. Completed in 2009, the building was designed by Goody Clancy with landscape architecture by Andropogon and built by Suffolk Construction. From the outset, the project team sought to create not only a highly functional civic building but also a welcoming and enduring public space that reflects Boston’s historic character while meeting modern standards of sustainability. One of the defining features of the project is its outdoor terraces and gathering areas, where design meets nature through the use of Black Locust Lumber’s decking solutions. The decision to use black locust decking and wood pergolas was central to the project’s vision. Black Locust, a native North American hardwood, is renowned for its natural durability, resistance to decay, and impressive strength. These qualities make it a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods, offering a long-lasting material that requires no chemical treatment or synthetic additives. The result is a series of functional yet beautiful outdoor spaces that encourage use by both staff and visitors. The black locust decking creates warm, inviting surfaces that withstand heavy foot traffic, while the wood pergola structures provide shade, comfort, and architectural character. Together, these elements elevate the terraces beyond simple functional platforms—transforming them into spaces of respite and interaction within the urban environment. The building achieved LEED-NC Gold certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Incorporating black locust decking was a critical factor in this recognition, aligning the project with federal goals to prioritize renewable, environmentally responsible materials in public infrastructure. Ultimately, the John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse sets an important precedent for future government projects. It proves that federal buildings can embody strength and formality while also embracing ecological integrity and design innovation. By weaving together durability, sustainability, and timeless design, this project stands as a model for how public architecture can contribute positively to both community and environment.
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