Committee pushes for a single reuse concept as Benton County courthouse faces $32–38M upgrade bill

Members of the Benton County Historic Preservation Committee spent substantial time debating reuse options and financing strategies for the county courthouse after a committee participant corrected an earlier lower estimate and cited an updated $32–38 million cost for seismic and ADA upgrades.

Committee members said that large cost means funding will be difficult unless a single, compelling reuse concept can be presented to potential funders and the county commissioners. One member summarized the need: "We're looking for a single solid concept for reuse" that can attract investment rather than leaving the building as an expensive retrofit for generic office space.

The group discussed next steps: hiring a consultant with experience in large historic resources to guide a community‑engagement process (symposiums, focus groups, targeted outreach), assembling a concise packet for the commissioners, and using Preservation Month as a launch pad to elevate public awareness. Members noted the county commissioners hold the ultimate authority to determine the building’s future and that the committee has limited time and some seed funds to pay for professional help.

Access and logistics also complicate planning. Committee members said courthouse staff are on skeleton crews while it remains in active use, which restricts tours and public access; Paul (facilities/maintenance) was named as the coordinating contact to arrange limited visits. The committee agreed to request a clear report from county staff (Gabe and others) on the current courthouse packet and to press the commissioners for a timetable and a list of needs the committee can help address.

Next steps: compile the courthouse packet into the committee’s shared drive, identify and vet consultant candidates from a prepared list of preservation investors and firms, and schedule community engagement sessions tied to Preservation Month outreach.