Marion County Courthouse Nearing Completion of Rebuild

This is how the courthouse appeared in the immediate days following the standoff Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - After months of intense construction work, employees have begun moving back into the Marion County Courthouse.

There are a few weeks left until the building is fully reoccupied, but employees who normally conduct business in the building are expressing relief. The courthouse was severely damaged by vandalism and fire last November during a police standoff.

Christopher Millis stands accused of driving his pickup through the front doors of the courthouse November 12th 2005, then firing shots and starting fires inside.

Marion County officials say they initially underestimated the amount of work, time, and money it would take.

When the building was damaged, officials locked it up tight and damages were assessed. Problems relating to asbestos and other early building practices brought crews their share of problems, but contractors worked together in a variety of areas to rebuild the courthouse to a state that will essentially be better than new.

Marion County Sheriff's deputies and other employees are still waiting their turn to relocate to the building. Occupying the downstairs area, they may be the last to haul their computers and files back inside after months of displacement.

Oregon State officials and other Marion County organizations worked together to help the courthouse continue operations in other locations like the state capitol.

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