A committee tasked with exploring ideas on how to repurpose the historic Benton County Courthouse is seeking input from the public on its concepts, the county announced.
The Historic Courthouse Advisory Committee will make a recommendation to the Benton County Board of Commissioners later this year.
“The historic courthouse has served us well for well over 100 years and we plan to make sure it has a purpose and use for generations to come,” Tomi Douglas, Benton County Natural Areas, Parks and Events director and committee staff liaison, said through a press release. “Community feedback in this early stage of the planning process is a vital part of creating a plan for the future of this community treasure.”
The committee is evaluating government and civic use, arts, culture and education uses, or a mixed-use combination of the two. Uses explored by the committee but no longer under consideration include lodging, residential, commercial, retail, business and private offices.
The building in Corvallis is the oldest county courthouse in Oregon still being used for its original purpose. In use since 1889, the building no longer meets court or county needs. Construction of a new courthouse and district attorney’s office is planned for completion in 2026, county officials said.
The public can provide input to the committee through attendance at a Jan. 19 meeting or by completing a survey either online at this link or at county offices by Feb. 15.
Officials said more opportunities for the public to participate will follow as the project progresses.
For more information, visit the committee’s webpage or contact Douglas at 541-220-8369 or tomi.douglas@bentoncountyor.gov.