EL RENO, Okla.—Canadian County leaders and project partners MA+ Architecture, DLR Group, and Lingo Construction have officially broken ground on the new Canadian County Courthouse—a major civic investment set to reshape downtown El Reno and position the community for long-term growth. The four‑story, 115,195‑square‑foot facility is envisioned as a timeless, efficient, and accessible hub for county services, designed to meet today’s needs while anticipating those of tomorrow.
The courthouse’s design blends historically inspired architecture with advanced court technology, low‑maintenance materials, and flexible infrastructure that can adapt as the county evolves. That future‑ready approach is central to the project’s mission. “Our interdisciplinary team designed a robust, future-ready building with modern court technology including acoustics, AV, and security, to support evolving judicial needs while maintaining schedule and budget goals. The result is a high performing environment that improves the experience for every user,” said Chris Getz, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal, Justice+Civic Leader with DLR Group.
Heritage preservation is equally important. The new courthouse will incorporate reclaimed bricks, the historic courthouse’s statue of Lady Justice and original clock, and a repurposed judge’s bench—elements that ensure the building remains rooted in community identity even as it embraces modernity. “We are proud to help deliver a courthouse that feels unmistakably ‘Canadian County,” said Gary Armbruster, principal architect at MA+ Architecture. “It’s timeless in its civic presence, highly functional for daily operations, and rooted in a community presence through the thoughtful reuse of historic elements. This is a building designed to welcome the public and work as hard as the people it serves.”
Construction will be led by Lingo Construction, with MA+ Architecture and DLR Group collaborating on planning and design. The integrated architectural, engineering, and court‑technology teams have emphasized durability, design excellence, and user‑centered experiences throughout the process. When it opens in mid‑2027, the courthouse will feature seven courtrooms and consolidated services to support the county’s rapidly growing population.
The project also reflects the pedigree of its partners. DLR Group, the Architect of Record, is a global leader in justice architecture with more than $6 billion in justice projects and a reputation for designs that prioritize healing, equity, and transformation. Their work in St. Petersburg, Fla.—where natural light and lake views were used to reduce the stress of legal proceedings—mirrors the firm’s approach to other landmark facilities such as the Kings County Courthouse and the Seminole County Justice Center Annex.
Lingo Construction, founded in 1998 by Stan and Renee Lingo, brings a team of more than 170 employees spanning project managers, designers, engineers, superintendents, carpenters, ironworkers, and laborers. Their portfolio ranges from small interior remodels to multimillion‑dollar redevelopment projects, all grounded in long‑term client relationships and a commitment to quality.
As construction begins, the new Canadian County Courthouse stands as both a symbol of civic pride and a strategic investment in the region’s future—one that honors its past while building for generations to come.
