Plans are moving forward to transform the historic Southern Oregon Historical Society (SOHS) building into a public-facing event center designed to benefit the community and beyond.
In September 2024, the Medford City Council allocated $570,000 from the Council Community Initiative Fund (CCIF) to various community organizations and programs—including a $50,000 grant to SOHS.
SOHS President Doug McGeary told City Councilors during the June 18 meeting that the funding will help support phase two of the building’s transformation.
“Your funds aren’t going to be used for door hinges or wiring,” McGeary said. “Your money is going toward parts of the project the public will see and talk about.”
The vision for the event center includes a 4,000-square-foot main hall, three rentable conference rooms, a catering kitchen, a gathering space “with character,” and a private speakeasy that can be added on to special events.
“Our venue has a unique style, a unique niche, historic ambiance, museum context, and cultural depth,” McGeary said, noting that the center has potential to boost cultural tourism in the region.
SOHS is currently working closely with contractors and architects, with an expected completion date of mid-2026.
The building, located downtown at 106 N. Central Avenue, is known to many as the former JCPenney, which moved to the Rogue Valley Mall in 1986.