New Courthouse Project Rising on NE Second Street
It's just phase one...
A major new government complex is taking shape along NE Second Street, marking one of the largest public construction efforts in Benton County in decades.
Located at 1350 NE Second Street, the project will serve as a new justice system campus, replacing the county’s aging downtown courthouse with a modern facility designed for today’s needs.
The new development includes a courthouse, District Attorney’s office, and emergency operations center, all built on a multi-acre site just north of downtown.
County officials say the project is designed to improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency across the justice system. Planned features include updated security systems, ADA-compliant facilities, and separate circulation areas for the public, staff, and in-custody defendants. A jail?
The courthouse itself is expected to span tens of thousands of square feet and is part of an overall project budget of roughly $86 million, funded through a mix of state and county dollars.
Construction has progressed pretty rapidly in the last few months. It looks like the first phase of the project is already nearing completion.
Why a New Courthouse?
The move comes as Benton County’s current courthouse, located downtown, has reached the limits of what it can safely support. Built in 1888, the historic building is the oldest courthouse in Oregon still in use for its original purpose.
While structurally sound, officials say it lacks space, modern security features, and would not withstand a major earthquake, making replacement a long-term priority.
Did you know?
A small 1.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded just outside Philomath on November 18, 2025. The quake struck about 7.3 miles away, occurring right at the surface, though it was likely too small for most people to feel.
The largest historic earthquake to significantly impact the Corvallis, Oregon area was the 1993 Scotts Mills earthquake, also known as the "Spring Break Quake". Occurring on March 25, 1993, with a magnitude of 5.6.
What Happens to the Old Courthouse?
The future of the historic courthouse remains a question for the community. County leaders have made clear the building will not be demolished. Instead, plans are underway to preserve it and transition it into a new public use.
A Historic Courthouse Advisory Committee has been exploring options that could include:
Civic or government functions
Arts, culture, or educational uses
A mixed-use public space
Private redevelopment ideas, such as housing, retail, or offices, are no longer being considered. Community input is expected to play a significant role in determining the building’s next chapter.
Personally, we’d like to see Doc Brown capture a lightning strike on the clock tower, sending Marty back to the future.
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The downtown Courthouse lawn has traditionally been the Corvallis municipal living room, the place where Corvallis people gather to air their concerns. Gatherings typically are called to form there. Marches begin and/or end there. Spontaneous gatherings take place there because that's what we do in Corvallis.
Whatever we do with the old Courthouse, that tradition needs to b preserved and mauntained.