Jackson County Will Transfer Ownership Of Four Historic Buildings To City

In a press release dated September 5, Jackson County Administrator Danny Jordan announced a pending deal between the County and City of Jacksonville to transfer ownership of four historically-significant buildings. The properties are the Jacksonville Courthouse, the Beekman House, the Beekman Bank, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Rectory.

The transfer is being discussed in coordination with the City of Jacksonville, the Southern Oregon Historical Society (SOHS), and the Jacksonville Heritage Society. All parties feel a transfer will help ensure the buildings receive appropriate maintenance and preservation, which has been a high priority for all.

The press release stated, “Jackson County has been leasing the properties to SOHS, but it has become difficult for the historical society to cover maintenance and other costs. The Jacksonville Heritage Society has been subcontracting with SOHS to manage the buildings.”

The Catholic Rectory

In a written statement, Jacksonville Mayor Paul Becker and Administrator Jeff Alvis told the Review, “This morning, Jackson County’s press release announcing the transfer of four historic properties to the city of Jacksonville was made public.  By owning these buildings, the city will now be in a position to insure the proper care and maintenance of what most citizens regard as priceless treasures.  Until now, the Jacksonville Heritage Society has done an outstanding job in its effort to maintain and utilize these buildings.  Both the Beekman Bank and the Beekman house have seen a considerable amount of loving care and attention on the part of the Heritage Society.  The jewel is, of course, the courthouse.  Given its history and architectural prominence, this property represents the soul of Jacksonville.  A great amount of attention was paid to this property as well by the Jacksonville Heritage Society.  Speaking on behalf of the City, we owe a debt of gratitude and sincerely thank the Society for their work.  We applaud all the efforts of the many volunteers who have contributed their time and effort in preserving these buildings for future generations.”

The Beekman Bank

Jordan’s presser noted, “Jackson County is confident that the City of Jacksonville will make the best public use of these buildings that are inside its city limits. In addition, the buildings share close ties to a community which is very much interested in their preservation for historical purposes.”

The Jacksonville Courthouse, which served as the original Jackson County Courthouse and, most recently, the Jacksonville Museum, was built in 1883. The Beekman House was built between 1870 and 1876, the Beekman Bank was built around 1863, and the Catholic Rectory was built around 1868.

Jordan also stated, “If the transfer of ownership moves forward, Jackson County will amend the lease with SOHS to remove the properties being transferred to the City of Jacksonville. An archive building in White City would be the only remaining building in the current lease with SOHS.

The Beekman House

In Jacksonville, Jackson County will still own the U.S. Hotel, which is for sale with potential proceeds going to both SOHS and Jackson County.”

It is likely that the Jacksonville City Council will discuss the property transfer at its next meeting on September 18 at 6:00 pm.