Construction is progressing robustly on a significant 120,000-square-foot facility at the Jackson County Expo in Central Point, Oregon, set to serve a dual role as a vital regional emergency response center and a much-needed community hub, an important component of the new Community Response Hub. Crews are currently focused on completing the building’s exterior and roof, aiming to secure the structure against upcoming weather and maintain the project’s schedule, with an anticipated opening in the fall or winter of 2026. This ambitious project represents a major investment in the area’s preparedness and its residents’ quality of life, a key piece of Oregon infrastructure project development.
A Dual-Purpose Community Response Hub for Preparedness and People
The facility is designed to be a critical asset for managing regional emergencies, a need starkly highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating 2020 Labor Day fires, including the Almeda and South Obenchain fires. In times of crisis, this Community Response Hub will offer essential services such as a large commercial kitchen, shower facilities, and space for aid distribution, vaccination clinics, and temporary shelter. This preparedness infrastructure is a key element in safeguarding the community’s well-being and ensuring swift, organized responses to disasters impacting life in Oregon, showcasing the importance of this new disaster response facility.
Beyond its emergency functions, a substantial portion of the center will be dedicated to community use, with the city of Central Point leasing one-third of the facility as a long-awaited Central Point community center. This space will not only house offices for the neighboring Expo fairgrounds but also significantly expand capacity for sporting events and other large-scale public gatherings. The main floor will feature eight full-size basketball courts, with two designated for Central Point’s after-school programs, alongside areas for community learning workshops and leisure activities, making it a true multi-use public space.
Construction Milestones and Timeline for the Community Response Hub
The project broke ground in late July 2024, following the 2024 Jackson County Fair. By early February 2025, footings for the expansive building were poured, and steel beams began to be erected in May 2025, showcasing rapid progress. Currently, over two dozen workers are focused on completing the roof, a critical step to enable interior construction and protect the building from the elements before winter sets in. The overall completion of this vital Community Response Hub is targeted for late 2026, concluding a multi-year effort to bring this vital facility to fruition.
Funding and Collaborative Partnerships for the Community Response Hub
The multi-use center, serving as a critical Community Response Hub, is a significant undertaking with an estimated cost of approximately $60 to $61.5 million. Funding for this project is a combination of local and federal resources. Jackson County is contributing around $21 million from its general fund reserves, while an additional $39 million comes from federal allocations through the American Rescue Plan funding. The city of Central Point has also played a crucial role, investing $1.1 million towards the $3.8 million design process, which was managed by ORW Architecture. This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to enhancing public services and infrastructure in the region, reinforcing the importance of the Jackson County Expo in local development.
Enhancing Local Infrastructure with New Addresses
In conjunction with the ongoing development, the Jackson County Expo has implemented a revised address system along Peninger Road to improve navigation and facilitate clearer property identification for all facilities in the area. This initiative, a collaboration between Jackson County Development Services, the City of Central Point, and the U.S. Postal Service, aims to support consistency as the corridor continues to grow. Two new addresses will be assigned to the multi-use center upon its completion, ensuring efficient access for visitors, vendors, and emergency services, while the Expo’s P.O. Box mailing address remains unchanged.
This new facility represents a forward-thinking investment in the future of Jackson County, Oregon, promising to bolster emergency preparedness, foster community engagement, and provide a versatile space for a wide range of activities and leisure pursuits for years to come. The ongoing news surrounding its construction marks a significant development for the region, highlighting the need for robust emergency preparedness Oregon initiatives and the creation of vital resources like this Community Response Hub.
