By: scott.huish//November 4, 2021//
scott.huish//November 4, 2021//

Location: PortlandMeyer Memorial Trust鈥檚 new campus in Portland鈥檚 Albina neighborhood is a platform for advancing the foundation鈥檚 initiatives and commitment to equity and sustainability. The building program includes an engagement center for public programs, mission library, caf茅-style event space, roof garden terrace, workspace for 50 people, meeting rooms and co-working space for partners.
Meyer鈥檚 ground floor is designed as a 鈥渇ront porch鈥 to strengthen connections between the foundation and the communities it serves. Inside, the building鈥檚 focal point is the Center for Great Purposes, a 100-seat convening center for public programs and collaborations with partner organizations.
Made from a regional wood product called mass plywood, the center is an indoor/outdoor event space that opens to an educational garden with indigenous plant species.
In addition to a diverse leadership team, 47 percent of the Meyer headquarters construction was built by women and BIPOC-owned subcontractors; 54 percent of the journey people and apprentice hours were filled by people of color; and 12 percent of the hours were filled by women.
Additionally, 80 percent of the subcontractors on the site were either women or BIPOC-owned businesses, with 20 percent being 鈥渟tretch鈥 opportunities to give smaller companies the opportunity to grow and expand their portfolio.