Historic Downtown Medford Building to Become Event Center by 2026

Downtown Medford, Oregon- A historic downtown Medford building once home to JCPenney is on track for a major transformation as the Southern Oregon Historical Society moves forward with plans to turn the site into a public-facing event center.

The Medford City Council allocated $570,000 in September 2024 from its Council Community Initiative Fund (CCIF) to support various local programs and organizations, including a $50,000 grant awarded to the Southern Oregon Historical Society (SOHS). According to SOHS President Doug McGeary, the funding will help support phase two of the building’s redevelopment.

“Your funds aren’t going to be used for door hinges or wiring,” McGeary told city councilors during a June 18 meeting. “Your money is going toward parts of the project the public will see and talk about.”

Located at 106 N. Central Avenue, the building is widely recognized by longtime residents as the former JCPenney store, which relocated to the Rogue Valley Mall in 1986. The structure has remained a prominent fixture in downtown Medford and now stands at the center of an effort to enhance community and cultural life in the region.

Plans for the renovated event center include a 4,000-square-foot main hall, three rentable conference rooms, a catering kitchen, a public gathering space designed “with character,” and a private speakeasy available for special events.

“Our venue has a unique style, a unique niche, historic ambiance, museum context, and cultural depth,” McGeary said, noting that the project has the potential to enhance cultural tourism and serve a wide range of community needs.

SOHS is currently collaborating with architects and contractors on the design and construction, with the goal of completing the project by mid-2026.