Riley County Aims for Mid-March Return to Downtown Offices

Courthouse Plaza East renovations still underway, public works director says

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Riley County commissioners are eager to move back into their downtown offices, but public works director John Ellermann said Monday they may need a bit more patience as renovations inside the Courthouse Plaza East building, including carpet work and scheduling, are still being sorted out.

Why it matters

The return of county offices to the downtown area is an important milestone for the community, as it signals a continued revitalization of the city's central business district following the pandemic.

The details

The window replacement project at the Courthouse Plaza East building was completed in July, but additional interior renovations are still ongoing. Ellermann estimated the county offices could return to the building by mid-March, once the remaining work is finished.

  • The window replacement project at Courthouse Plaza East began in July 2025.
  • Ellermann said the county is aiming for a mid-March 2026 return to the downtown offices.

The players

John Ellermann

The public works director for Riley County.

Riley County Commissioners

The elected officials overseeing county operations and the return to the downtown offices.

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What they’re saying

“I would say at least March, hoping to get in by mid-March.”

— John Ellermann, Public Works Director (b1047.com)

What’s next

The county will continue to monitor the progress of the renovations and provide updates on the exact timeline for the return to the downtown offices.

The takeaway

The return of Riley County's offices to the downtown area is an important step in the ongoing revitalization of the city's central business district, signaling a renewed commitment to the community's core.