County seeks ArtSpace feasibility study to explore reuse of historic courthouse
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Summary
County staff and the Historic Courthouse Preservation Committee propose hiring ArtSpace for a 6–8 month feasibility study funded partly by the Louisa B. DeBosch fund and an Oregon Heritage grant application; the study would include public outreach, funding options and seismic considerations.
County staff presented a proposal to commission ArtSpace to produce a feasibility study to guide reuse of the Benton County Historic Courthouse.
"We recently came to them with some ideas and some proposals to advance the courthouse preservation to kind of the next step," Jesse said, describing work by the Historic Courthouse Preservation Committee and public engagement to date. The committee voted to use the Louisa B. DeBosch fund to cover the study cost, and staff filed an Oregon State Parks/Oregon Heritage grant application that would cover roughly half the cost if awarded.
The proposed study would run six to eight months and include project concepts, community meetings, an advisory subcommittee and an analysis of funding and finance opportunities, including public–private partnership options. Staff noted ArtSpace has experience with similar reuse projects and with seismic retrofit issues, which the county must consider before any long-term occupancy or renovation. Commissioners encouraged continuing community engagement and asked staff to identify advisory members and coordinate with the sheriff's office because of the courthouse's physical connection to the jail.
Next steps: staff will finalize a contract with ArtSpace if the grant is awarded (decision expected in about two weeks) and will return with a proposed advisory group and schedule.