Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse

Built in 1936, Clackamas County’s existing courthouse had long outlived its capacity and functionality. The outdated building lacked secure pathways for in-custody defendants, was not ADA compliant and offered no room for future expansion. The county sought more than a new building, aiming to create a civic landmark that embodied transparency, security and community trust. To achieve this, the county turned to Oregon’s first public-private partnership (P3) for a courthouse. The resulting 257,000 sq. ft. Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse includes 16 courtrooms, 20 judicial chambers and public service spaces for the District Attorney, Sheriff and social services. The building is projected to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 60%, thanks to all-electric mechanical systems and a rooftop photovoltaic array.

A “One Team” Guiding Philosophy
Early integration brought designers, builders and operators into lockstep, weaving long-term maintenance into the fabric of the design. The project adopted a “One Team” philosophy, grounded in a partnering workshop that established shared values — service, integrity and respect — mirroring Clackamas County’s SPIRIT framework. At the heart of this collaboration was a “zippered” team structure that intentionally paired roles across organizations.

This project prioritized long-term value over lowest cost through a qualifications-based selection process that emphasized team experience, financial capacity, innovation and stakeholder integration.

The project reflects all five of DBIA’s design excellence lenses, with sustainability woven into every aspect. Targeting LEED Gold certification, it features high-efficiency systems, low-carbon materials and rooftop solar-ready infrastructure. The building is fully electric, eliminating on-site fossil fuels, and 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills. Together, these measures advance the county’s ambitious sustainability goals and demonstrate the team’s commitment to meeting them.

Winner – I.N.S.P.I.R.E.D. OWNER

(Innovative Newcomer Showcasing Preparedness, Insight, Readiness and Enduring Diligence)

As a first-time design-build Owner, Clackamas County didn’t just step into new territory, they set a new standard. Through years of preparation, commitment to DBIA education and a culture grounded in trust and collaboration, the County delivered Oregon’s first courthouse using a public-private partnership. Their “One Team” mindset, supported by innovative tools and shared leadership, turned complexity into clarity and vision into reality. Delivered on time and on budget, the Courthouse stands as a model of readiness, partnership and enduring diligence.

Design-Build Team

Photos

Photo Credits: Josh Partee; DLR Group