Carlton County Weighs $22M-$32M Options for Historic Courthouse

Commissioners consider expanding, renovating, or replacing the 100-year-old building.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Carlton County commissioners are considering options ranging from $22 million to $32 million to address the future of the historic Carlton County Courthouse. The options include expanding and renovating the existing facilities or constructing a new office building on the campus. Architects and contractors presented a 30-page report outlining several project possibilities, with commissioners needing to make a decision by May to start construction in a year.

Why it matters

The 100-year-old Carlton County Historic Courthouse has become crowded, with offices in need of upgrades for heating, cooling, fire suppression, accessibility, and security. The county has committed to keeping the historic courthouse, but must weigh the costs and benefits of renovating the existing structure versus building new facilities.

The details

The report presented four main options for the courthouse's future: 1) New one- or two-story builds costing $21.8 million to $29.3 million, 2) Renovating and remodeling the courthouse and former law enforcement center for $26.4 million to $31.4 million, 3) Focusing renovations solely on the courthouse while demolishing the jail and law enforcement center for $25.3 million to $29.5 million, and 4) Fitting all county departments into a renovated courthouse. The historic significance of the courthouse will also require negotiation with preservation authorities for certain renovation work.

  • The commissioners have until May to decide which direction they want to go.
  • Construction is proposed to start in a year from now.

The players

Dan Reed

A county commissioner who expressed dislike for modern construction and prefers preserving the historic courthouse.

Tom Proulx

A county commissioner who reminded attendees that the county made a commitment to Carlton to keep the courthouse.

Carey Ottman Everson

A project manager at Duluth-based Adolphson and Peterson Construction, who described one of the Historic Courthouse renovation choices as a "complete gut."

Erik Daniels

A project manager at Klein McCarthy Architects, who presented the four main options for the courthouse's future.

Dennis Genereau

The county administrator, who said the study tried to "anticipate reasonable growth" in office space needs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've never been real fond of modern construction.”

— Dan Reed, County Commissioner (Pine Knot News)

“If it's being remodeled, it's a complete gut.”

— Carey Ottman Everson, Project Manager, Adolphson and Peterson Construction (Pine Knot News)

“We can fit everyone in there.”

— Erik Daniels, Project Manager, Klein McCarthy Architects (Pine Knot News)

What’s next

The study and assessment are being returned to the building committee, headed by property management director Dave Hurst. Hurst and the committee are expected to field individual questions from commissioners and meet again on March 18. The board will readdress the topic at the next committee of the whole meeting at 4:30 p.m. April 7 in Cromwell. A recommendation from the building committee is anticipated to come in May, with a board vote expected later that month on the preferred project option.

The takeaway

Carlton County faces a significant decision on the future of its historic 100-year-old courthouse, weighing the costs and benefits of renovating the existing structure versus building new facilities. The outcome will impact the county's administrative offices and services for years to come.