Morrow County Circuit Courthouse Ground Breaking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Morrow County commemorates groundbreaking of new courthouse, advancing a modern judicial facility rooted in community heritage

HEPPNER, Ore. (Feb. 24, 2026) – Morrow County officials, together with local residents and project partners, gathered today to commemorate the groundbreaking of the new Morrow County Courthouse. The 22,000 SF, two-story facility is designed to provide modern judicial and governmental services while honoring the County’s longstanding agricultural and rural heritage.

The County initiated the project after determining that the historic courthouse, while still a significant civic landmark, no longer met operational requirements or state standards for judicial functions. Following a comprehensive evaluation of renovation and expansion alternatives, constructing a new courthouse near the existing facility emerged as the most efficient path forward.

Design Guided by Community Values and Regional Heritage

Morrow County’s rural landscape, agricultural identity, and deep sense of place informed the design approach developed in partnership with DLR Group. Architectural elements draw from local context while establishing a dignified and contemporary civic presence.

“This courthouse is an investment in our future,” said David Sykes, Commission Chair. “I toured this site with the Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice after I was first elected as commissioner. As we looked at the rolling hills of this location, the Chief Justice said, ‘This is a great place to build the courthouse.’ Three year’s later, this groundbreaking represents an investment of hard work and cooperation that ensures our residents are served with dignity, accessibility, and respect.”

The building reflects the scale and material character of the historic courthouse, incorporating gray brick from locally quarried basalt, gabled volumes and a central, grand wooden stair. Courtroom spaces feature mass timber beams and vaulted ceilings. Skylights bring daylight deep into the facility providing a welcoming environment for visitors and staff while supporting safety and security protocols.

Maintaining the courthouse in its historic civic setting reinforces its role as an enduring community anchor and upholds expectations for local access to core government services.

Enhancing Judicial and Government Services
The new courthouse is planned to support efficient, accessible, and secure judicial operations. Key program elements include:
• A circuit courtroom and associated support spaces including a large jury assembly room
• Offices for the District Attorney, Court Clerks, Judge and Public Defender
• Secure operational functions on the building’s north side, including holding areas, a vehicle sallyport, a jury deliberation room, and staff entry
• A site-responsive design that eliminates the need for a holding elevator by distributing functions across two levels and leverages natural grade changes

A Long-Term Investment in Morrow County’s Future

A feasibility study, completed in collaboration with DLR Group, played a critical role in defining operational requirements and securing funding for the project. The County selected Bouten Construction Co. to deliver the project through the CM/GC method. Construction is anticipated to be completed in summer 2027.

“As we break ground today, we mark both the beginning of construction and the culmination of years of thoughtful planning and community collaboration,” said Lori Coppenrath, Justice+Civic Planning Leader and Principal at DLR Group. “Morrow County’s new courthouse will stand as a testament to civic pride, regional heritage, and the County’s ongoing commitment to accessible, modern justice.”