BEND, Ore. — Construction of the new Deschutes County Courthouse is progressing steadily, with officials confirming the project remains both on schedule and within budget. County leaders received a detailed update on Monday from project engineers, who reported that the $48 million development is now at the halfway mark.
“Project is on track both with schedule and budget. We're about 50% through the allotted budget in terms of expenditure and in terms of schedule. We're still on track to finish in August of 2026,” said Lee Randall, Deschutes County Facilities Director.
One of the most visible recent accomplishments was topping out the building’s concrete structure, including completion of the penthouse level. Crews also dismantled the prominent tower crane that had loomed over downtown Bend for months, signaling a major transition from heavy structural work to interior-focused activity.
With the exterior envelope nearly sealed, teams are preparing to enter the next construction phase under more controlled conditions.
As colder and wetter weather approaches Central Oregon, Randall said the schedule shouldn't suffer major disruption.
“It certainly has the potential to slow things down a little bit. But we will be moving for the most part inside the building, which is a big help. And we're close to being dried in. And so, that wet weather, we should be fairly well protected against it,” he explained.
Dry-in status will allow contractors to maintain momentum through the winter, minimizing weather-related delays that typically affect regional builds.
Over the next several months, construction crews will shift toward critical infrastructure and finish work, including:
Randall also outlined near-term plans for site improvements and public access upgrades.
“Over the next couple of months, we'll begin work on the main entry, which will be an improvement. It will be at street level and will begin improvements on Bond Street,” he said.
These enhancements are intended to improve accessibility and create a more welcoming civic entryway once the building opens.
Once complete, the courthouse will provide expanded courtroom space, enhanced security features, and modernized public service areas to accommodate Deschutes County’s rapidly growing population. The project is one of the largest public infrastructure efforts underway in Central Oregon and has remained noteworthy for staying on budget during a time of workforce, supply chain, and materials volatility.
With half of the work delivered and no current delays reported, officials remain confident in the courthouse’s August 2026 completion.
Originally reported by Peyton Thomas, Reporter in Central Oregon Daily News.
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