SPRINGFIELD — Developer Peter A. Picknelly, of Peter Pan Bus Lines, has purchased about 9 acres of land from The Republican for his proposed riverfront courthouse .

Picknelly’s Park View South LLC paid $1.5 million for the three parcels near West and Avocado streets and the foot of Clinton Street, according to a deed filed Nov. 21 with the Hampden County Registry of Deeds.

Picknelly said only that his group exercised its option to buy the property, and that it’s part of his courthouse proposal.

Ten groups of developers have pitched a total of 11 possible courthouse sites to the state, with a decision expected in 2026.

One of the other proposals from a separate group has an option to purchase The Republican’s building at 1860 Main St.

The state is finally replacing the 1970s court

See Full Page