Medford, OR – The Trump administration has proposed selling several historic federal properties across the country, with a notable inclusion on the list being Medford’s James A. Redden U.S. Courthouse. This building, the only federal courthouse south of Eugene, Oregon, is among more than 400 federal properties flagged by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for potential disposal.
According to the GSA’s official website, the initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce government spending by selling off non-essential federal buildings and facilities. The goal is to save taxpayer dollars by unloading properties that are no longer crucial to core government operations.
The James A. Redden U.S. Courthouse, named after a former U.S. District Judge, is a prominent feature in the city of Medford, serving as the hub for federal judicial activities in southern Oregon. Its potential sale has raised concerns within the local community, with residents and officials alike questioning the long-term impact on federal services and the preservation of local history.
In addition to the courthouse, two other U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) buildings in the area are also listed for possible sale. The federal buildings in Medford are part of a larger national list, which includes high-profile properties such as the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C.
While the move is aimed at cutting costs, some local leaders are apprehensive about the broader implications. The James A. Redden Courthouse is central to the region’s legal infrastructure, and its sale could lead to challenges in maintaining access to federal court services in the area.
“This courthouse is a vital resource for our community, and losing it could disrupt important legal services for southern Oregon,” said a local official who wished to remain anonymous. “The GSA needs to consider the full impact of these sales on the people who rely on these buildings.”
As the GSA continues to assess which properties are deemed surplus, it remains to be seen whether the sale of these buildings, including the Medford courthouse, will move forward. The potential for historical preservation concerns also looms, as some of these properties carry significant architectural and cultural value.
Local stakeholders are calling for more dialogue with the federal government to ensure that Medford and other communities are not left without essential services. Whether the sale of these properties will proceed as planned or be revised based on public feedback will likely unfold in the coming months.