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Recent Articles from Jeff McDonald
Blasting work under way near Mount Hood
Heavy blasting work will delay travel along U.S. Route 26 near Mount Hood this week as part of a $20 million safety improvement project for the Oregon Department of Transportation.
DBE firm with rail experience helps contractor at Oregon Zoo
Lease Crutcher Lewis, construction manager-general contractor for the Elephant Lands project at the Oregon Zoo, is working with Salem-based R&R General Contractors to build a new passenger rail line.
Door opens via experience with prefabricated framing
Experience using a patented system helped a Washington contractor land a project in Portland.
Portland Public Schools still in construction mode
Portland Public Schools is focusing on its next steps stemming from the $482 million bond measure approved by voters in 2012, including preparation of Marshall High School to serve as a temporary home -- first for Franklin High students.
Efficiency under the dome
A new Oregon Health & Science University data center in Hillsboro could become a prototype.
More creative office space being created in downtown
A historic restoration plan has been created to transform the 128-year-old Baggage and Carriage Building, in downtown Portland, into a mix of creative office space and restaurant space.
Canadian stone being used for courthouse repairs
To repair eight deteriorating chimneys atop the historic Pioneer Courthouse in downtown Portland, Pioneer Waterproofing had to dig up some suitable materials.
Striving to protect young workers
Construction firms have room to grow in keeping their young and inexperienced workers safe.
UPDATED: Minority-owned firm to build grocery store
Portland-based Colas Construction is getting its foot in another doorway via a deal to build a high-profile grocery store and adjacent commercial building in Northeast Portland.
Renovated downtown building will connect to hotel
An old Portland building that formerly served as a parole office for Multnomah County is being converted into a mixed retail and office space.
Headquarters hotel team seeking design advice
While lawsuits that could ultimately derail the $212 million headquarters hotel project continue to swirl, developers are seeking advice to jump-start the design process.
$13.5 million Madras High School project wrapping up
Skanska USA Building has nearly completed construction of a 600-seat performing arts center and athletic facility at Madras High School.
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
