The Oregon Supreme Court building was constructed in 1914 and is the oldest continuously operating government building on the Capitol Mall. The Oregon Judicial Department began building renovations in November 2019 to preserve and protect the historic structure and improve safety, function, efficiency, and access for years to come. The project includes earthquake reinforcement with base isolation technology and upgrades to heating, cooling, electrical, technology, plumbing systems, and accessibility to meet modern standards. The interior modernization will not change or otherwise affect the building's historic features.
Completion is expected in late 2022. Total project cost is approximately $55 million.
For the duration of the project, the Oregon Supreme Court, Appellate Court Services Division (which includes Appellate Court Records, the State of Oregon Law Library, and Oregon Judicial Department Publications), and the Appellate Commissioner's office have moved to a temporary location at 2850 Broadway St. NE, Salem, Oregon 97303.
Our goal has been to minimize operational impacts, however, please review the following information regarding addresses, oral arguments, the State Law Library and other project and service details.
See project images and construction information here.
Questions and Answers
What offices and functions have temporarily moved? Where did they go?
Effective October 7, 2019, the Oregon Supreme Court, the Appellate Commissioner's Office, and the Appellate Court Services Division (which includes Appellate Court Records, the State of Oregon Law Library, and Oregon Judicial Department Publications) moved to a temporary location at 2850 Broadway St. NE in Salem.
What is the physical address (e.g., for filings or in-person services)?
Physical filings (when allowed by rule), and all other in-person services provided by the Appellate Records office, will be accepted at 2850 Broadway St. NE, Salem, OR 97303.
Did the move affect the mailing address for court business? No. The mailing address for court business will remain the same: 1163 State St., Salem, OR 97301.
How are the appellate courts, related services, and the State of Oregon Law Library operating during the construction project?
- Supreme Court Oral Arguments – Information on oral arguments; any remote arrangements; in-person attendance, if allowed; upcoming cases; and more is available on the Supreme Court home page and calendar page. Arguments held by remote means will be noted in the court calendar as “Via Video" and parties will be provided access information. The Supreme Court will continue to webcast oral arguments for public access as well. Webcasts can be viewed live or after the fact.
- Court of Appeals Oral Arguments – Information on oral arguments; any remote arrangements; in-person attendance, if allowed; upcoming cases; and more is available on the Court of Appeals home page and docket page.
- State of Oregon Law Library – The State of Oregon Law Library is housed at the temporary Broadway location in a reduced physical capacity. Physical materials are still available although there may be a delay in providing such materials as many resources are being stored off-site. In-person access to materials at the Broadway location may also be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. For information, contact state.law.library@ojd.state.or.us or call 503-986-5640.
When did the Supreme Court building interior modernization project start? On-site construction activity started in November 2019.
Who is the contractor? Hoffman Construction. Hoffman was founded in Portland. It also has offices in Seattle. This is the same contractor that recently completed the new Multnomah County Courthouse. Hoffman is also engaged in renovations of the Oregon State Capitol building.
What is the current expected completion date? The Substantial Completion date is currently planned for late 2022.
What is the anticipated total cost of the project? Approximately $55 million.
How is it being funded? The legislature has funded the project through bonds and General Fund allocations spanning three biennial budgets (2017-2019, 2019-2021, and 2021-2023).
Who can I contact if I have questions? OJD.INFO@ojd.state.or.us.