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Newberg鈥檚 downtown area is being reborn, and a project designed by Scott | Edwards Architecture is expected to be a catalyst.

A renovation of the , which sits in the heart of the city, will be the first of multiple projects the city will conduct to turn the area into a gathering place for residents and visitors. The first phase, which involved remodeling the center鈥檚 classrooms, was completed in 2010. Now, the center鈥檚 gym will be transformed into an event ballroom, and a 700-square-foot lobby will be added.

鈥淭he city is trying to create a heart for downtown Newberg that residents can walk to and utilize,鈥� said Jennifer Marsicek, project manager for Scott | Edwards Architecture. 鈥淭he center is the first phase of that 鈥� the starting point.鈥�

Many of the original finishes of the building, which was built in the 1930s, will be retained. The gym鈥檚 original concrete floors will be polished, stained and reused. A large portion of the building鈥檚 brick and wood interior walls will be refinished. Wood taken off walls will be repurposed as 鈥渃eiling clouds鈥� in the ballroom to hide some of the building鈥檚 duct systems.

These efforts will tie to the project鈥檚 overall goal for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver rating. Other sustainable elements planned include HVAC units with water-source heat pumps, energy efficient lighting and high-efficiency envelope design.

Because the building will be used for a variety of intimate events 鈥� including weddings, dances and music concerts 鈥� city officials sought to preserve the building鈥檚 historic and whimsical appearance, Marsicek said.

鈥淭hey really tried to preserve the character of the old building as they can,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he original wood is really beautiful, and it鈥檚 something we can鈥檛 buy or replace these days.鈥�

R&W Engineering will handle the project鈥檚 mechanical and electrical aspects, while WDY will provide structural engineering. Daly-Standlee and Associates will adjust the acoustics, and Lewis Audio Video will be the audio and visual engineer.

Construction is expected to start this fall and last four months. A general contractor has not been named yet.

鈥淥n the Boards鈥� is a weekly feature that spotlights local firms鈥� best design work. Submissions from architectural and engineering firms are encouraged. Please call 503-802-7240 or email [email protected].