New Benton County Courthouse and Emergency Operations Center rises in Corvallis
Benton County’s new courthouse and Emergency Operations Center are taking shape in Corvallis, marking major progress on a project that will improve public service, strengthen emergency response and provide updated facilities for the future.
The current courthouse on NW 4th Street is the oldest operating courthouse building in Oregon. Construction began in 1888 and it became operational the following year. At that time, the population of Benton County was about 8,600.
With a population nearing 100,000, the County has long outgrown the beautiful historic building.
County leaders and staff recently toured the new courthouse site to see construction progress and hear from the team helping build the new facility. The exterior of the courthouse is nearly finished, and crews are installing interior walls in preparation for electrical wiring and plumbing.
The new building will have four courtrooms, including one larger courtroom built to meet future needs. It has many other spaces that are lacking in the historic courthouse, like jury rooms, space for lawyers to consult with their clients, room for family members and friends and lots of parking.
Benton County District Attorney Ryan Joslin said he is especially excited about what the new courthouse will mean for the people it serves.
“We will miss our old courthouse, an icon of the community and symbol of justice,” Joslin said. “The new courthouse is a tribute to the importance of the work done within its walls. This space will give victims, families, jurors and all who work there, a dignified and professional setting where the justice system can work even more effectively.”
Victor Archila, project engineer with Hoffman Construction Company, said his job includes helping manage logistics, reviewing plans and making sure the project follows contract documents and building requirements.
“This has been an amazing experience,” Archila said. “It’s a great project for me professionally, but more importantly it’s going to be a great building for the community. I think it will change a lot of lives here in Corvallis.”
“I think the people who use this facility will be happy with the results and the improvements they are receiving,” he said.
“It’s been really great to see it come together,” said Project Manager Shannon Ladner. “Whether the challenges are related to budget, construction or other issues, everyone has worked well together to find solutions and keep moving forward.”
The project also includes a new Emergency Operations Center near the courthouse building. The EOC will house the County’s Emergency Management team and serve as the crisis response hub during disasters and emergencies.
Currently, standing up a temporary operations center during a crisis requires finding available space and bringing in all the equipment needed, including computers, communications equipment and office supplies. The new EOC will be ready at a moment’s notice for immediate occupation.
Benton County Emergency Manager Bryan Lee said having a dedicated EOC will significantly improve emergency response.
“A dedicated Emergency Operations Center means we can activate quickly, bring partners together in one place and focus immediately on helping the community,” Lee said. “In an emergency, time matters, and having a ready-to-go facility makes us more efficient and better prepared.”
When the facility is not in use for emergency response, it will serve as a training center for FEMA instruction and multi-agency training exercises.
Federal funding helped make the separate facility possible.
The County looks forward to dedicating and occupying the new buildings in spring 2027.
Benton County Board of Commissioners Chair Pat Malone said the project is an investment in the community.
“This facility is about serving the public today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow,” Malone said. “It will strengthen our justice system, improve emergency coordination and provide a safe, modern space that the community can be proud of.”
Construction updates and project information
Drone footage of the new courthouse project
