Renville County Courthouse and Jail

This courthouse and jail complex is a four-story building in Victorian style with a striking central tower and copper domes. The design includes corner pavilions, fluted columns, and a pediment with an oculus opening, giving the structure architectural depth and detail.

This building was constructed in 1902 after Olivia became the county seat in 1900 and needed a larger judicial facility. It replaced an earlier wooden courthouse that had stood in Beaver Falls.

This building sits at the heart of Olivia and shows how communities built their important institutions in the early 1900s. People come here for legal matters, but the structure also shapes how the public square looks and functions in town.

The building sits on spacious grounds and is easy to find from downtown Olivia. Visitors should know that interior areas may have security screening and access limits since it serves as an active government facility.

Architect Fremont D. Orff from Minneapolis designed this building with an unusual combination of courthouse and jail under one roof. This arrangement was practical for the time but is rarely seen today.

Location: Olivia

Architects: Fremont D. Orff

Architectural style: Victorian architecture

GPS coordinates: 44.77611,-94.98333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:07