Project name: WSU Vancouver Life Sciences Building

Location: Vancouver, Washington

Completion: April 2024

Size: 62,000 square feet including greenhouse and mechanical rooms

Cost: $57,055 000

Owner/Developer: Washington State University Vancouver

Architect: SRG + Cannon Design

Interior Designer: SRG + Cannon Design

Engineers: Catena Consulting Engineers, Affiliated Engineers, Samata Consulting Engineers

General Contractor: Andersen Construction

Submitting Company: Andersen Construction

Subcontractors: ABC, AIG, Andersen Finish Carpentry, Arctic, ASI, B&B Tile and Masonry, BMS, Cache Valley Electric, Cherry City Electric, Concrete Collaborative, Dallas Glass, Delta AV, Drake’s Striping & Painting, Floor Solutions, General Sheet Metal, Harver, JCI, JH Kelly, JS Perrott, MacDonald-Miller, McKinstry, Milwaukie Floors, MottLab, Otis, Portland Coatings, Prestige Tile, Prospiant/Argus, Sign Wizards, Stonhard, Superior Interiors, Teufel, Weitman Excavation, WPI

Washington State University Vancouver has opened its first new academic building in 11 years, a state-of-the-art life sciences facility that promises to transform research and education opportunities for students in STEM disciplines.

The 55,000-square-foot building, which earned LEED Gold certification, houses cutting-edge laboratories for neuroscience, molecular biology and nursing research, alongside specialized greenhouses and a vivarium space.

Funded primarily through a $57.1 million allocation from the Washington State Legislature, the $63.8 million project was completed with additional support from private donors and a $1 million contribution from the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation.

Andersen Construction collaborated with SRG as a design-build team, employing innovative building methods to reduce environmental impact. Among these was the use of mass plywood panels for exterior walls, which accelerated construction and lowered the building’s carbon footprint.

The prefabrication of the mass plywood walls helped create a safe worksite. Not only did this method reduce the number of on-site manhours for the installation, it allowed workers to install weather resistant barriers inside a protected facility and on the ground – reducing the need for trades to work in harnessing above ground. All exterior panels were installed in just two weeks, completing several days faster than anticipated.

The facility features fully automated greenhouses with ridge vents, sun shades, evaporative cooling systems and grow lamps for plant and butterfly research. A dedicated vivarium space maintains strict environmental controls to ensure research animal safety.

Energy efficiency was prioritized through a heat recovery chiller connected to campus heating and chilled water loops, helping the building meet Washington’s strict energy code requirements.

The project team achieved a 61 percent diversion rate of construction waste from landfills while incorporating low-carbon concrete to reduce embodied carbon emissions.

Site planning took advantage of the natural hillside grade, creating a more inviting entrance while preserving views from nearby buildings. This strategic design change saved nearly $1 million during preconstruction.

Indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, including lounges, study areas and plazas, provide collaborative environments for students and faculty.

The building’s design incorporated input from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, resulting in the integration of native and indigenous plants across the landscape.

The project did not have MWESB requirements, but the team was committed to getting at least 20 percent participation. Andersen exceeded that goal, achieving 25 percent participation with 14 firms across design and trade partners.

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Project name: Willamete Tower

Location: Portland

Completion: February 2024

Size: 493,550 square feet

Owner/Developer: Alamo Manhattan

Architect: WDG Architecture Dallas

Interior Designer: SGL Design Group

Engineers: KPFF, Linda Tycher & Associates, Brightworks Sustainability

General Contractor: Andersen Construction

Submitting Company: Andersen Construction

Other Key Participants: Prosper Portland, City of Portland Building Department, Portland Water Bureau, Portland Bureau Of Transportation

Subcontractors: ABC Roofing, ACME Scenic & Display, Advance Welding, All Trades General Contractor, Aluma Systems, ASI Structures, Astound, BASCO, Berg Electric Corporation, Brix Paving, CHI Cos., Columbia Cascade, D&R Masonry, Dallas Glass, DeaMor Associates, DE-EL, DERO, DeWitt Construction, Eastern Steel Erectors, Ernsdorf Design, Forensic Building, Fought, GB Manchester, H Corp., Hunt, Instafab, Interior Tech, Klinger Masonry, Lanz Cabinets – Eugene, Larusso Concrete, Loy Clark, Maintenance Man, Maxim Crane Works, Mid-Valley Glass & Millwork, Northwest Scaffold Service, Ocean Park Mechanical, Otis Elevator, Outside the Lines, Pacific Foundation, Pacific Post Tensioning, Pacific Stair, Patriot Fire, Paulson’s Floor Covering, Point Monitor, Precision Rail of Oregon, R&R Floors, R2M2, Rebar, Sardonyx, Sawtooth, SDS, Skyline Sheet Metal, Standard TV & Appliance, Starline Windows, Sustainable Floors, Teufel Landscape, Wessco, Westech Construction, Westlake Consultants, WPI

Rising 23 stories along the Willamette River, this mixed-use development delivers both high-end apartments and significant environmental improvements to a once-industrial riverfront.

The Willamette Tower offers 340 market-rate units, including 19 townhome-style apartments providing a unique two-story living experience. The includes 3,700 square feet of ground-floor retail and parking for 355 vehicles.

Developers faced substantial challenges working alongside the river. Groundwater levels required installation of a dewatering system while construction crews drove foundation piles more than 40 feet deep to reach stable ground.

The site’s industrial past presented additional obstacles. Construction teams removed more than 30 old piers using specialized equipment mounted on barges. Workers also discovered and safely removed abandoned oil barrels that had leaked into the surrounding soil, necessitating site-wide excavation and replacement of contaminated areas.

Among the project’s innovations is the creation of a 40,000-square-foot riparian habitat supporting fish in the Willamette River. This collaborative effort involved multiple agencies including the Army Corps of Engineers and Oregon Department of State Lands. The habitat features strategically placed boulders and tree trunks creating environments for fish and plant life.

The project connected the northern and southern portions of the Willamette greenway path.

The development earned LEED Homes Multifamily Mid-Rise Gold certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. Environmental features include stormwater planters that filter runoff before it reaches the river.

Residents enjoy numerous amenities including a gym, bike room, podium-level sundeck, and club room. The 22nd floor features a demonstration kitchen with camera and monitor capabilities alongside a dining room. The penthouse units feature a specialty HOMMA system. HOMMA is a smart home/interactive system for lighting, heating/cooling, blinds, and door locking. The system is controlled through a mobile app, in-home control pad, and motion activated sensors. This was the first larger scale installation for the company.

Working with Prosper Portland, the developer incorporated a public plaza with interactive fountain, creating a neighborhood gathering space. The agency also helped source local minority, women, and emerging small business vendors for various project elements.

Construction innovations included in-slab ductwork for unit exhaust systems and a combined drain/waste vent system that reduced plumbing lines and deck penetrations, allowing for more open interior spaces.

There were goals for the fountain that was funded by Prosper Portland, and Andersen Construction met the 20 percent DBE/SBE/WBE goal. In addition, Andersen had three DBE/SBE/WBE firms as part of the larger project: La Londe Electric, Scovill Construction and Western Rebar.

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Project name: Western Oregon University Steam Line Tunnel Design

Location: Monmouth

Completion: October 2024

Size: 1,000 square feet of steam line

Cost: $11 million

Owner/Developer: Western Oregon University

Engineers: KPFF, Systems West Engineers

General Contractor: Andersen Construction

Submitting Company: Systems West Engineers

Other Key Participants: City of Monmouth

Subcontractors: Emery & Sons Construction Group, MPP Piping

Western Oregon University has completed a major infrastructure upgrade, replacing approximately 1,000 feet of steam distribution line across campus using innovative technology that promises decades of reliable service.

Originally planned as a tunnel project, budget constraints forced engineers to pivot to a direct-bury system using cutting-edge stainless steel piping technology. The approach makes WOU only the second campus in Oregon to implement this system, following Oregon State University.

The stainless-steel system is expected to provide 25-40 years of service, significantly reducing lifecycle costs compared to conventional systems that typically need replacement every 25-30 years.

The project faced numerous challenges, including deep trenching requirements of approximately 10 feet and navigating decades-old underground infrastructure while maintaining precise alignment for the steam system. Work had to be completed during a compressed summer timeframe to minimize campus disruption.

One particularly difficult aspect involved a vault where steam at 245° F had been leaking for approximately 10 months, creating both safety issues and technical complications. When steam was shut off, the vault required nearly 10 days to cool down.

The collaboration between Systems West Engineers, KPFF Consulting Engineers, and Andersen Construction proved crucial in overcoming unforeseen obstacles. When facing sequencing challenges related to providing continuous service to the campus pool, a year-round facility, the team developed creative solutions that allowed the entire project to be completed in one phase.

The project also incorporated modern monitoring technology with sump pump alarms and monitoring systems in the vaults, enabling proactive maintenance. Safety improvements included replacing dangerous rebar ladders in existing vaults with proper aluminum ladders and covers.

The direct-bury approach proved remarkably cost-effective. The original tunnel concept would have cost approximately $8,000 per linear foot, allowing the university to address only about 40 percent of its steam distribution needs within the available budget. By switching to the stainless steel direct-bury system, the team completed the entire scope while staying within budget constraints.

The project remediated a failing pipe that had been leaking steam for approximately 10 months, eliminating wasteful energy loss and ensuring reliable heating for academic buildings and year-round operation of the campus pool.

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Project name: Wecoma Place

Location: Lincoln City

Completion: June 2024

Size: 35,155 square feet

Owner/Developer: Stewardship Development

Architect: Otak

Engineers: Froelich Engineers, Humber Design Group, MFIA,

General Contractor: Walsh Construction

Submitting Company: Otak

Other Key Participants: Oregon Housing and Community Services, Housing Authority of Lincoln County

Subcontractors: Absolute Construction Services, Academy Specialties, Aleman’s Flooring, Browns Architectural Sheet Metal, Buffalo Welding, Gormley Plumbing + Mechanical, Inland Electric, PONO Building Consultants, Sign Wizards, Teragan & Associates

A new affordable housing development is bringing relief to residents displaced by the 2020 Echo Mountain Fire, overcoming significant site challenges to provide much-needed homes on Oregon’s coast.

Wecoma Place, a 44-unit development in Lincoln County, provides apartments at 56 percent and 30 percent Area Median Income levels, primarily serving seniors who lost homes in the devastating wildfire that struck the region four years ago. The building’s design draws inspiration from the coastal landscape, featuring three distinct masses resembling geomorphic beach formations. Exterior siding incorporates patterns reflecting the region’s wind-swept grasses, integrating the structure with its surroundings.

The project stands out for its innovative approach to zoning compliance and site adaptation. It presents as a two-story structure from Highway 101 while actually incorporating a four-story building with an adjacent outdoor courtyard.

Developers faced formidable obstacles, including a steep 30-foot grade change, multiple city sewer easements, and an existing single-family residence surrounded on three sides by the project site. These factors had previously hindered development efforts.

The successful execution required extensive collaboration between contractor Walsh, ownership group Stewardship, and the architecture and engineering team led by Otak.

Sustainability features include solar-ready and electric vehicle-ready infrastructure, allowing for future renewable energy and EV installations. The development also utilizes materials specifically chosen for durability in the coastal environment, protecting against moisture, salt air, and high winds. A central courtyard serves dual purposes as recreational space for residents and buffer from adjacent Highway 101. The design prioritizes natural   light throughout living spaces.

The development promotes multimodal transportation with adjacent access to a bus stop and bike lane, plus on-site parking options.

During construction, the general contractor implemented a comprehensive safety program focusing on training, planning, measuring, and relating. Weekly safety check-ins with tradespersons created a proactive safety culture.

The project had a 20 percent MWESB contracting goal and achieved 22.10 percent participation.

As Lincoln County continues recovering from wildfire impacts, Wecoma Place represents a significant step toward rebuilding the community while addressing critical affordable housing needs along Oregon’s coast.

Agencies instrumental to the project were Oregon Housing and Community Services and the Housing Authority of Lincoln County.

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Project name: Washington School for the Deaf Divine Academic and Hunter Gym

Location: Vancouver, Washington

Completion: August 2024

Size: 50,527 square feet

Cost: $53 million

Owner/Developer: Washington School for the Deaf, Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY)

Owner’s Representative: Washington State Department of Enterprise Services

Architect: Mithun

Interior Designer: Mithun

Engineers: PCS Structural Solutions, Mithun (landscape), JH Kelly (electrical)

General Contractor: Skanska USA Building

Submitting Company: Skanska USA Building

Other Associates/Key Consultants: A3 Acoustics (acoustic specialist), Kalesnikoff Mass Timber (mass timber supplier), HB/A+P: DeafSpace Consultants Hansel Bauman and Robert T. Sirvage

Subcontractors: Anderson Roofing, Archaeological Investigations Northwest, B&B Tile and Masonry, Bargreen Ellingson, Bedrock Commercial Concrete Cutting, Blind Depot, Brandsen Hardwood Floors, Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping, Cache Valley Electric, Camblin Steel Service, Carlson Testing, CMC Steel Fabricators dba CMC Rebar, Coast to Coast Turf, Coffman Excavation, Commercial Metals, Consurco, Damac and Associates Clean, DeaMor Associates, Dennis Seven Dees Landscaping, Ednetics, Elmer’s Flag and Banner, Faithful Fence, Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Halliday Associates, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis, Hercon Rebar & Post Tension, Inter Technology, Ironmark Surveying & Engineering, Klinger Masonry, KONE, Legend Custom Woodworking, McKinstry, Ness & Campbell Crane, Northwest Control, Northwest Geotech, Northwest Playground Equipment, NW Flooring Solutions, Performance Abatement Services, Performance Contracting, Pioneer Waterproofing, Polygon US, Precision Test & Balance, Prestige Tile & Stone, Pro-Bel Enterprises, QED Lab, Silex Investments dba Yakima Steel, Soriano Floor Finishing, Steel Encounters, Tim Lawrence dba Digital Works Production, Town & Country Fence Co. of Oregon, Town Inc. dba South Town Glass, TrailB Technologies, TT&L Sheet Metal, Ultra Quiet Floors, Vancouver Sign, W.E. Given Contracting, Western Partitions

The Washington School for the Deaf (WSD) Divine Academic and Hunter Gymnasium stands as a landmark achievement in accessible educational design, incorporating DeafSpace principles that prioritize the unique needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

The project, delivered through a progressive design-build approach by Skanska and Mithun, leveraged early collaboration with DeafSpace consultants to create spaces specifically engineered for deaf communication and learning. The warm, homelike environment fosters a sense of belonging and pride among students and staff.

Key building innovations include 8-foot-wide hallways that allow for sign language conversations while walking, and classrooms providing approximately 60 square feet per learner – twice the industry standard – arranged in horseshoe configurations that maximize visual communication.

The building’s innovative mass timber construction features exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) decks that enhance acoustic vibrations essential for spatial awareness. This structural system, installed in just 19 days, contributes to the project’s low embodied carbon emissions.

The team noted that mass timber not only met aesthetic requirements but also provided functional benefits crucial for deaf communication. The materials preserve vibrations that allow students to sense footfalls and movements throughout the building.

The front entrance of the school features an ASL Finger Spell Art Fence, which also acts as a security gate. The whole campus is fenced in for security reasons, so the team designed a welcoming inclusive art piece without making the occupants feel institutionalized.

Jobsite safety innovations included custom site fencing with viewing holes, which allowed students to safely observe the construction activities while maintaining secure separation between school operations and work zones.

The project team engaged students directly in the design process through workshops using visual learning tools. Students used color-coded blocks to outline their ideal campus, directly influencing the final design.

Sustainability achievements include targeting LEED Gold certification, achieving an Energy Use Intensity of 32.1, and utilizing an existing geothermal wellfield system combined with a highly efficient building envelope.

The project exceeded Minority and Women Business Enterprise targets, hitting 13 percent participation. Apprentice labor hit 23 percent, helping develop future skilled workers knowledgeable in mass timber construction and deaf-inclusive building practices.

Beyond serving students, the project raises public awareness of Deaf culture through campus openness to neighbors and visitors, making it a model for future educational environments that prioritize accessibility, sustainability and community connection.

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Project name: University of Oregon (UO) Portland Multi-Building Campus ProjectLocation: Portland

Completion: September 2024

Size: 251,380 square feet

Owner/Developer: University of Oregon, Portland

Architects: Housing (27^th Avenue, 30^th Avenue) – Holst Architecture; Oregon House – Peter Meijer Architect; Library & Learning – SRG Partnership; Highland Hall – Lever Architecture; Portland Campus Center – Opsis Architecture; Innovation Building – TVA Architects; General Campus and Holman Apartments – Soderstrom Architects (exterior), PLACE (landscape architect)

Engineers: Housing (27^th Avenue, 30^th Avenue) – Interface Engineering; Oregon House – KPFF, ColeBreit Engineering; Library & Learning – Holmes, Interface Engineering, Samata Consulting Engineers; Highland Hall – Valar Consulting Engineering, Arris Consulting, Reyes Engineering; Portland Campus Center – Catena Consulting Engineers, Interface Engineering; Innovation Building – ABHT Structural Engineers, Interface Engineering, Capital Electric; General Campus – Capital Engineering & Consulting

General Contractor: Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company

Submitting Company: Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company

Other Associates/Key Consultants: General site – Sav A Tree; Highland Hall – O-LLC Lighting Designers, University of Oregon Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory; Innovation Building – Jensen Hughes (code consultant), Tenor Engineering (acoustics), m.thrailkill.architect (specifications)

Subcontractors: A2 Fabrication, Allegion Access Technologies, Asbestos Abatement Contracting, Bell Hardware of Portland, Berrien Concrete, Brandsen Hardwood Floors, Bratcher Painting, Building Material Specialties, Chown, Clean World Maintenance, Columbia River Painting, Concrete Inspection Services, Culver Glass, Curtis Restaurant Equipment, Dallas Glass, Davidson’s Masonry, DeaMor Associates, Detailed Touch Painting, Diverse Works, EC Company, Excalibur & Associates, Faustrollean Fixture, Finish Line Concrete Cutting, Floor Solutions, Flynn BEC, Fred Shearer & Sons, Funax Cleaning Services, Gibson Door & Millwork, Harlen’s Drywall, Hermanson, Interior-Exterior Specialist, J.S. Perrott & Co., Janelle Waltz, Johnson Controls, Lanz Cabinet Shop, Legend Custom Woodworking, Linear Floor Installers, Matrix Industries, McDonald & Wetle, McKinstry, Metro Access Control, Michael’s Precast Concrete, Mid Valley Glass & Millwork, Ness & Campbell Crane, NW Construction Services, OEG, Paragon Tile & Stone, Pavement Maintenance, PBS Supply, Pdx Pressurewash, PDX Refinishers, Performance Contracting, Pioneer Sheet Metal, Pioneer Waterproofing, Prestige Tile & Stone, Pure Safety Group, Pye-Baker Fire & Safety, RDH Building Sciences, Refa Erection, Reyes Engineering, Rubenstein’s Contract Carpet, Savatree, Sawtooth Caulking, SDB Contracting Services, Sharon Maxwell, SI Contracting, Skyline Construction Services, Spectrum Custom Interiors, Streimer Sheet Metal Works, Superior Interiors, Super Metal Fab, T Gerding Construction, Teufel Nursery, The Johnson Collective, Thermobond Buildings, Town & Country Fence Co. of Oregon, Valley Shades, WH Cress, Weitman Excavation, Western Partitions, Western States Fire Protection, WFJ Janitorial Services, Zeeland

The University of Oregon has breathed new life into the former Concordia College campus in Northeast Portland through a comprehensive project that reimagines the historic property for modern educational needs.

Howard S. Wright partnered with UO on the transformative initiative spanning more than 14 separate refresh projects, working alongside 23 different architects and designers to create contemporary residential, educational, research and administrative facilities. There were more than 500 craftworkers onsite, with craftperson hours totaling 122,964.

At the heart of the renovation is the UO Portland Campus Center, originally constructed in 1953. Opsis Architecture led a dramatic transformation that removed solid walls from previous additions to visually connect formerly disconnected spaces. The team replaced a concrete bearing wall with steel columns and relocated networking systems to a prefabricated concrete shelter to ensure campus resilience during seismic events.

The Innovation Building, designed by TVA Architects, represents a sustainable approach that retained much of the existing structure while creating naturally lit corridors flanking open design studios. The former chapel now serves as Innovation Commons, featuring custom pivoting steel frame walls that transform the space from intimate presentation areas to a large event hall. A key feature of the space is the platform, which functions as both a stage and a backdrop for storage.

Perhaps most distinctive is Highland Hall’s transformation from a former gymnasium into the new home for the Department of Architecture. Lever Architecture preserved the building’s historical significance while incorporating innovative sustainability features. Highland Hall’s new entry vestibules, two new seminar rooms and partial height dividing walls between studios are constructed from 7-inch-thick mass plywood panels reclaimed from a test structure at the TallWood Institute’s A.A. “Red” Emmerson Advanced Wood Products Laboratory at Oregon State University. The project team noted that this is the first project they are aware of to reuse mass plywood panels at this scale. The renovation also included extensive envelope upgrades exceeding current energy codes.

All projects were completed with minimal disruption to campus operations, ensuring students could occupy housing buildings ahead of academic years 2023 and 2024.

The university emphasized exceeding minority, women and emerging small business participation goals by enhancing accessibility to bid packages and tailoring them to accommodate smaller firms’ needs. The team more than doubled the goal, with an average of 19 percent MWESB participation.

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Project name: TimberViewLocation: Portland

Completion: December 2024

Size: 74,385 square feet

Owner/Developer: TimberView VIII LLC

Architect: Access Architecture

Engineers: Caliber Plumbing & Mechanical, DCI Engineering, Summit Engineering

General Contractor: Truebeck Construction

Submitting Company: Access Architecture

Other Key Participants: City of Portland, Brightworks Sustainability Consultants

Subcontractors: Acousti-Level Floor Systems, All Trades General Contractor, Authority Dock & Door, Berrien Concrete, Black Line Glazing, BrandSafway, CARE Industries, Carpentry Plus, Cascade Tower & Rigging, Centurion Fire Protection, Contract Flooring & Interiors, Coria Landscaping, Crossover Construction, Diversified Fall Protection, Eagle Striping, Elite Electrical Group, Extreme Excavating, Flynn BEC, Frontier Door & Cabinet, Galloni Granite, General Sheet Metal, Green Transfer & Storage, Ha’s Painting, Kalesnikoff Mass Timber, Kinetic Parking Solutions, Kittelson & Associates, McDonald & Wetle, Mid-Valley Glass & Millwork, Mill Plain Electric, Northwest Delta, Otis Elevator, Pacific Foundation, Pence Kelly Construction, Permapost Products, Procraft Equipment, RDH Building Science, Sign Wizards, Sowles, Standard TV & Appliance, System Design Consulants, TerraCalc Land Surveying, VPI Quality Windows, Westech Construction, Whiskey Hill Electric, Zeeland, Zochert Fence

A groundbreaking eight-story affordable housing development in Northeast Portland is showcasing how sustainable building materials and premium amenities can coexist in housing for lower-income residents.

TimberView VIII, located at the corner of Northeast Glisan Street and 99th Avenue, provides 105 affordable units to tenants making 60 percent or less of the Area Median Income while targeting LEED Platinum certification. The development is among the first to use Oregon’s newly adopted building code amendment allowing for mass timber buildings under Type IV-C construction. Its primary structure consists of Glulam beams and columns with cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels for flooring.

The use of mass timber elements necessitated top to bottom team coordination. TimberView was built using 56,304 cubic feet of sustainably harvested PNW lumber, which instead of releasing carbon sequesters it long-term into the building and results in a net impact akin to removing approximately 370 cars from the road for a year.

TimberView offers 28 studio apartments, 56 one-bedroom, 15 two-bedroom, and six three-bedroom units ranging from 331 to 1,019 square feet. Residents benefit from a rooftop deck, community room with mountain views, lobby, on-site laundry and bike parking for 160 bicycles. The ground floor houses Array Food Hall, a restaurant incubator space featuring pods for four food establishments and a bar, designed to create a mixed-use environment where people can live, work and eat.

As the tallest building in the neighborhood, the views from TimberView’s many units are breathtaking. The height allows the building to be seen from the 205 freeway near the Glisan exit, so it acts as a welcoming landmark for the Gateway neighborhood, much like the historical Gateway Arch that gave the neighborhood its name.

An innovative hydronic water system supplies radiant floor heating throughout the apartments, providing energy-efficient heating rarely found in affordable housing.

Located in Portland’s Gateway Neighborhood, TimberView replaces what was previously a single-family home and aims to be a catalyst for development in an area targeted by the city for dense growth outside downtown.

Access Architecture designed the building, with DCI Engineers handling structural engineering and Truebeck Construction serving as general contractor.

The project aligns with Portland’s 2045 Housing Needs Analysis, which determined that 120,000 more housing units are needed by 2045, with an additional “catch-up” supply of 55,000 units needed by 2032.

The development is conveniently located near the Gateway/NE 99th transit center with access to multiple transit options. This walkable location reduced on-site parking requirements, allowing for maximum units and amenity spaces.

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Project name: Timberline Lodge Pool Replacement

Location: Government Camp

Completion: March 2024

Size: 4,900 square feet

Owner/Developer: RLK & Company

Architect: Soderstrom Architects

Interior Designer: Soderstrom Architects

Engineers: Interface Engineering, Counsilman-Hunsaker (pool consultant)

General Contractor: Bremik Construction

Submitting Company: Bremik Construction

Other Key Participants: U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Health Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, Friends of Timberline, State Historic Preservation Office, Hoodland Fire District, Clackamas County

Subcontractors: Airx, American Welding and Iron, Anderson Poolworks, Arrow Timber Framing, B&B Tile and Masonry, Bell Hardware of Portland, Christenson Electric, CMC Rebar, Culver Glass, Don Rhyne Painting, Dynalectric, Elite Steel Products, Hanset Stainless, Harlen’s Drywall, JW Underground, LaRusso Concrete, Northwest Masonry Restoration, Piper Mechanical, Sign Wizards, Skyline Sheet Metal, Versatile Wood Products, Western States Fire Protection, WH Cress

Perched at 6,000 feet on the south slope of Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge has completed an ambitious renovation project, replacing its 1958-era pool with a modern facility that honors the historic property’s architectural heritage.

The project, which began after the original pool was decommissioned in fall 2022, features a heated year-round pool with depths ranging from 3 to 8 feet and a new hot tub with massage jets. At this elevation, it becomes the highest pool in the Pacific Northwest.

“Recreating the Timberline pool experience for our guests while preserving the historic value of the Lodge is what makes Timberline a very special and unique place,” Jeff Kohnstamm, Timberline’s president and area operator, noted in the project submission form. “I could not be more excited about this new page in Timberline’s story.”

The 4,900-square-foot elevated design includes a bird-friendly 75 percent glass enclosure that frames views of Mt. Hood and surrounding mountains. A new skybridge connects the spa deck to the west side hotel vestibule, providing seamless access for guests. The upgrade also included a new mechanical and storage room, as well as two public restrooms designed for both pool guests and skiers/snowboarders.

Construction teams faced considerable challenges building at such high elevation. The final concrete pour was completed in November 2023, requiring a specially designed mix suitable for freezing conditions after a 1.5-hour drive from the batch plant. To complete pool plastering and tiling during winter, crews constructed a 53-foot-long temporary heated enclosure that withstood multiple snowstorms while maintaining 70-degree interior temperatures.

The renovation also corrected architectural compromises made when the original pool was installed in 1958. Working from 1930s-era drawings, Soderstrom Architects and Bremik Construction restored historic windows, lower walls and rock buttresses that had been concealed for more than six decades.

Special attention to detail included rough-sawn cedar board-formed concrete finishes and pre-weathered materials to match the lodge’s aged aesthetic. New railing balusters match the Lodge’s iconic heavy timber construction, and the pool incorporates Timberline’s signature “snow goose” motif.

For visitor comfort, the pool deck features a radiant floor heating system that prevents ice buildup, while a new fire pit creates a gathering spot for evening relaxation.

Originally constructed in 1937 with funding from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, Timberline Lodge now welcomes approximately 2 million visitors annually, with the new pool enhancing its appeal as a year-round destination.

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Project name: The Springs at The WaterfrontLocation: Vancouver, Washington

Completion: July 2024

Size: 465,000 square feet

Owner/Developer: The Springs Living

Architect: GBD Architects

Interior Designer: GBD Architects

Engineers: KPFF, Ocean Park Mechanical, Prairie Electric

General Contractor: Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company

Submitting Company: Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company

Other Key Participants: Pacific Medical Buildings (development partner), Harrison Street Real Estate Capital (equity partner), City of Vancouver, Interface Engineering, Lango Hansen

Subcontractors: Alliance Laundry Systems, Anderson Poolworks, Bargreen Ellingson of Oregon, Building Material Specialties, Building Specialties Northwest, Cash’s Drapery, Center Pointe Signs, Chown Portland, Dallas Glass, DeaMor Associates, DE-EL Enterprises, Dero, Don Frank Floors, Eagle Striping Services, ES&A Sign & Awning, F.D. Thomas, Fireside Contracting Services, Floor Solutions, Flynn BEC, Foster Bray, Fought & Co., Conco Concrete, Greenhaven Landscapes, Hospitality Services, Infinity Images, Interior Technology, J&S Masonry, J.S. Perrott & Co., Knife River Corp.-Northwest, Kraft Screens & Window Washington, Lanz Cabinet Shop, Legend Custom Woodworking, Mincey Marble Manufacturing, Ocean Park Mechanical, Otis Elevator, Overhead Door Co. of Portland, Pacific Stair, Performance Contracting, Prairie Electric, Precision Rail of Oregon, Pro-Bel Enterprises, Proclean, Safemark Systems, Schonert & Associates, Sign Wizards, Standard TV & Appliance, Starline Windows USA, Superior Fence, Tapani, Teufel Nursery, Viking Automatic Sprinkler, Washington Commercial Painters, Wessco Equipment, Williamsen & Bleid

The Springs at The Waterfront rises 12 stories along the Columbia River, representing a bold reimagining of senior living in an urban setting.

The 250-residence community seamlessly integrates Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care across approximately 465,000 square feet, with two levels of underground parking. The project achieved LEED Gold and Fitwel 3-star certifications.

The project has attracted the youngest demographic The Springs Living has seen.

The community faced unique challenges during development. Located less than a mile from Pearson Field airport, builders encountered strict FAA height limitations, ultimately setting the building just 6 inches below regulatory restrictions. During excavation, crews uncovered contaminated soils and unexpected buried structures from the site’s industrial past. Workers removed 2,029 tons of concrete foundations, 187 wooden piles and 267 tons of steel. An 1889 brick foundation from the DuBois Brothers Sawmill was cataloged by the State Department of Archaeology before removal.

The building’s innovative design places Memory Care residents on upper floors, providing equitable access to Columbia River views. A dedicated wellness suite on the second floor houses fitness classes, physical therapy services and an elevated pool with distinctive privacy screens that maintain river views while blocking visibility from neighboring buildings.

Departing from traditional senior dining models, The Springs features “Fancho’s Public House,” a bistro-heavy concept creating a casual atmosphere where residents can “come as they are.”

The exterior facade combines masonry, dark bronze, and wood tones in patterns inspired by sunset reflections on the Columbia River. Interior spaces feature subtle whites, grays and beiges complemented by natural Oregon oak and stone textures.

Thoughtfully selected materials like Knotwood, an aluminum cladding system that replicates wood while offering superior durability, allow the building to withstand challenging waterfront conditions.

Residents enjoy a ninth-floor wine bar, outdoor roof deck with garden plots, putting green and dog run. Ground-floor spaces connect to waterfront paths, playgrounds and outdoor dining areas.

Two natural gas-fueled rooftop generators augment emergency power systems, allowing residents to shelter in place during emergencies while maintaining essential services.

While the project did not include specific MWESB participation requirements, Howard S. Wright and the project team remained committed to providing opportunities for diverse firms. Team members participated in various outreach efforts at local tradeshows and association events including PBDG, OAME and MCIP. As a result of these efforts, more than $5.4 million in work was awarded to 18 MWESB subcontractors and vendors.

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Project name: The Spot

Location: Madras

Completion: November 2024

Size: 3,150 square feet

Owner/Developer: J and C 5^th Street LLC

Architect: Open Concept Architecture

Engineers: Eclipse Engineering, H.A. McCoy Engineering & Surveying, Solera MEP Design Services

General Contractor: O’Brien & Company

Submitting Company: O’Brien & Company

Other Key Participants: City of Madras, Madras Redevelopment Commission

Subcontractors: Bend Heating and Sheet Metal, Benham Falls Asphalt, Central Oregon Concrete, Central Oregon Garage Door, Elite Construction Contracting, Elite Electric, G.W. Paulson Co. dba Baptista Design, Gale Contractor Services, Johnson Resources, Joshua Hittlet Drywall, JR Fire, KYA Painting, Oleachea’s Fine Finish Cabinetry, Pearl Plumbing, Rain Water Diversions dba BR Continuous Guttering, Rock Solid Roofing, Solid Fab Works, Storjohann Inc. dba Bend Fencing

A first-of-its-kind community hub is breathing new life into downtown Madras, offering residents and travelers alike a place to connect over food, drinks and entertainment.

The Spot features a taphouse with a second-story covered balcony, food carts and a heated outdoor patio. It represents owner Andre Jackson’s vision for economic revitalization in this Central Oregon community. The project, built by O’Brien & Company, was intentionally developed to stimulate local economic growth while providing a flexible, year-round gathering place.

The building’s innovative design blends indoor and outdoor spaces with overhead garage-style doors with glass inserts. When fully opened, these doors connect the building to the patio, creating a bright atmosphere filled with natural light. The venue’s warm wood and clean modern details create a lively space designed for year-round enjoyment regardless of weather conditions.

Despite challenges from the site’s condensed nature and proximity to the highway, the design-build approach allowed for real-time adjustments to construction plans. Advanced building materials, including ZIP System Insulated R-sheathing, were incorporated to enhance efficiency and durability. The project also prioritized high-performance audio and internet infrastructure to support live entertainment.

The Madras Redevelopment Commission provided crucial financial backing for the project. The City of Madras and its building department guided construction to ensure compliance with zoning and safety codes.

Jackson, who relocated from Portland to invest in Madras’ future, has already purchased an adjacent lot to expand the community’s event space.

The Spot hosts live music, trivia nights and student performances, fostering cultural engagement and providing a platform for local artists. Middle and high school students are actively invited to perform, promoting youth engagement in the arts. Regular community events including bingo, karaoke and sports viewing parties transform The Spot into an interactive gathering space rather than just a dining destination.

By drawing foot traffic to local businesses and serving as an economic hub in an area largely influenced by highway traffic, The Spot strengthens downtown Madras’ ecosystem while encouraging walkability.

“The Spot is all about connection, both within the Madras community, and as a regional hub,” Jeremy Cogdill, Open Concept Architecture managing principal, said in the project submission form. “It’s a ‘living room’ at an important intersection between the east and west sides of the mountains, that aims to bring people together through food, music, and conversations around a fire pit.”

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