A total of $10 million in grant money is available for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades in new regulated affordable multifamily housing. The funding comes from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) and will be issued by the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB).

Affordable housing developers can apply now for PCEF grants. Applications are due by 3 p.m. Friday, July 31.

The grants can help cover the capital costs of upgrading projects. The purpose of the Request for Applications (RFA) is to ensure buildings are built and operated in a way that reduces carbon emissions, reduces operating costs and improves resilience and health of tenants. To be eligible for these PCEF Funds, projects must have either a current loan or grant award from PHB that does not include PCEF or have received financial eligibility approval from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), the RFA states.

The funds are being released as part of PCEF’s Strategic Program 1, a grant program established in 2023 and administered through PHB to provide up to $60 million over five years to regulated affordable housing developments in Portland. This solicitation marks Phase 2 of Strategic Program 1. In Phase 1, PHB committed over $60 million across 26 projects, a PHB press release states.

Strategic Program 1 funds could support investments such as mini-split heating and cooling, photovoltaic arrays, enhanced insulation, heat pump water heating, high efficiency ventilation, electric vehicle charging and trees, the press release states.

Interested affordable housing developers can find more information on the RFA on the city of Portland’s

The post Applications open for $10 million in clean energy money appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

By Alan Torres
Eugene Register-Guard / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Eugene City Council has advanced a measure that would require people selling homes in Eugene to disclose the home’s Home Energy Score to prospective buyers.

City staff, recommending councilors pursue the requirement, said in surveying Eugene residents, people wanted more guidance on how to improve their home’s energy efficiency and passing the requirement would do that.

“It would expand access to information about energy usage, energy improvements and available incentives,” said Danielle Klinkebiel, Eugene climate policy analyst.

A Home Energy Score is a standardized measurement of a home’s energy efficiency. A Home Energy Score report includes a home’s estimated energy costs, recommended improvements, and available rebates. Klinkebiel said this assessment costs $150 to $250 and examines the home’s insulation, air sealing, heating, cooling, windows, doors and water heating.

Under the proposal, people selling homes in Eugene would be required to include a Home Energy Score and Report in the real estate listing and home showing. Eugene would be the fifth Oregon city to adopt such a requirement.

City staff said they had researched Home Energy Score requirements in other cities, and found implementing them didn’t have an impact on housing supply. But staff recommended the city create a program to train energy assessors to ensure there are enough of them to meet the demand generated by the requirement.

Councilors unanimously voted to advance the proposal to a public hearing. Because of City Council’s upcoming summer recess, the earliest this could occur would be Sept. 21.

Councilors expressed a range of enthusiasm and skepticism of the proposal.

Supportive councilors said the requirement would provide more information to home buyers and help people make the homes in Eugene more energy efficient.

Critical councilors said it would likely be redundant with expected federal regulation and worried about the home inspections being inaccurate and sellers passing along the cost of the inspection to buyers.

Other Oregon cities requiring the disclosure are Portland, Milwaukie, Hillsboro and Bend.

Celeste Schmorde, president of Eugene Realtors, shared mixed thoughts on the requirement.

Schmorde said earlier in the process the Realtors had weighed in with concerns that the energy score may not accurately reflect the value or livability of older homes, and questioned the theory the requirement would encourage homeowners to make energy improvements.

But Schmorde also said the organization supports “transparency around a home’s expected utility costs and operating expenses,” and that at this point Eugene Realtors has switched from debating the policy to “helping buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals understand any new requirements so they can navigate them successfully.”

Meredith Tufts, coalition coordinator for Fossil Free Eugene, celebrated the vote. She called the proposed requirement “a common sense measure that will help to ensure prospective home buyers have the knowledge they need to make informed purchases.”

The post City eyes requiring energy score disclosures for home sellers appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) is now accepting applications for a second round of Building Energy Reduction Incentive (BERI) program funding. The voluntary program encourages building owners to meet Oregon Building Performance Standard compliance requirements ahead of schedule.

In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 3409, which established a Building Performance Standard for commercial buildings. The bill requires covered commercial buildings to enhance energy management practices and implement efficiency measures to meet energy use targets. The earliest compliance date for certain buildings is 2028, an ODOE press release states.

ODOE was awarded $12 million in federal funding as part of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality‘s Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action program.

Oregon’s Building Performance Standard sorts eligible buildings into tier 1 or tier 2 buildings. The second round of BERI funding will offer about $7.7 million in incentives for tier 1 buildings, $3 million for tier 2 buildings, and $900,000 in incentives for tribal buildings. Maximum incentive amounts are capped at $100,000 for tier 1 buildings and $50,000 for tier 2 buildings, the press release states.

Incentives must be used for energy efficiency measures that reduce buildings’ energy use intensity and greenhouse gas emissions.

Applications will be reviewed by ODOE on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are awarded or until the application period closes at 5 p.m. on Dec. 11. Applications are available at .

In May, ODOE also opened applications for a second Building Performance Standard incentive — the Early Compliance Action and Planning Program. Incentives are intended to help offset building owners’ costs associated with compliance, such as energy benchmarking and reporting or performing an energy audit. Applications are due July 10 and are available at .

The post Application period open for building incentives appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

Oregon is implementing a new regulatory framework for energy efficiency that will significantly impact the commercial and multifamily real estate sectors. As part of this new framework, the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) recently finalized rules regarding an incentive program for early compliance with Oregon’s new Building Performance Standards (BPS).

HB 3409, signed into law in 2023, included the establishment of an Energy Performance Standard policy for commercial buildings. This is otherwise referred to as the BPS. The goal of the program is to reduce energy use and emissions from existing commercial buildings requiring many large commercial buildings to enhance energy management practices and implement various efficiency measures over the next several years.

Applicability and “Tier” System

The program applies to buildings classified as either “Tier 1” or “Tier 2”; the type of building determines its respective compliance requirements and deadlines.

Tier 1 includes large nonresidential, hotel, or motel buildings with at least 35,000 square feet of gross floor area. Tier 1 buildings must collect and report 12 months of energy usage data, calculate their building’s “energy use intensity” (EUI), and meet performance targets set by the ODOE. If a building fails to meet its target, the owner must conduct an energy audit and develop a plan to implement cost-effective energy efficiency improvements.

Tier 2 includes buildings with a gross floor area (excluding parking garage area) of at least 35,000 square feet that are used as multifamily residential, hospital, school, dormitory, or university buildings. Tier 2 also includes buildings where the gross floor area for hotel, motel and nonresidential use is between 20,000 square feet and 35,000 square feet. Tier 2 buildings are not yet subject to performance targets but must report energy and emissions data starting in 2028.

Some buildings are exempt. For example, historic buildings, certain buildings qualifying for exemption under “financial hardship,” some agricultural buildings, and some buildings with less than 50% occupancy may be exempt from these compliance requirements.

The following graphic from ODOE provides a high-level overview of how ODOE has categorized buildings for purposes of the BPS:

Important Compliance Deadlines

HB3409 required ODOE to establish a BPS to meet performance targets; the ODOE finalized the initial standard in December 2024 based on a national standard, with Oregon-specific amendments.

Compliance deadlines for Tier 1 buildings are phased based on size:

• Buildings greater than or equal to 200,000 square feet have until June 1, 2028.
• Buildings with 90,000–199,999 square feet have until June 1, 2029.
• Buildings with 35,000–89,999 square feet have until June 1, 2030.

Tier 2 buildings must submit their first data report by July 1, 2028, and every five years thereafter. ODOE will use this data to recommend future standards for Tier 2 buildings by 2030.

For those who do not comply, the ODOE is authorized to impose civil penalties for noncompliance, with fines up to $5,000, plus an amount to be determined for the duration of a continuing violation, which is capped at $1 per square foot of gross floor area (Tier 1 buildings only).

New Incentive Program Rules Released by ODOE

To encourage early participation, ODOE is launching an incentive program where building owners can apply to receive incentives for voluntarily meeting the program standards before the statutory deadlines.

To be eligible, a building must meet certain energy use requirements. Exempt buildings are not eligible for the incentive program.

• The incentive amount can be up to $0.85 per square foot for compliance for Tier 1 buildings, and $0.35 per square foot for compliance for Tier 2 buildings.
• Tier 1 buildings can receive up to $50,000, while larger Tier 2 buildings can receive a maximum of $35,000. There is also a limit of two awards per building owner, subject to increase based on funding.

To apply for this program, applicants must submit building data, energy use, utility territory, and compliance actions as outlined in the rules. This is anticipated to be a competitive review with priority being for high EUI buildings, multi-tenant buildings not in qualified utility territories, rural buildings, and multifamily affordable housing.

Deadlines for early compliance are one year before the regular compliance deadline:

• Tier 1 Buildings greater than or equal to 200,000 square feet: by June 1, 2027.
• Tier 1 Buildings with 90,000–199,999 square feet: by June 1, 2028.
• Tier 1 Buildings with 35,000–89,999 square feet: by June 1, 2029.
• Tier 2 (all sizes): by July 1, 2027.

These rules are effective August 5, 2025. The ODOE is expected to publish an opportunity announcement for the incentive program soon, with the application period open for 45 days.

BPS programs are an emerging policy solution in the United States for facilitating energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reductions. For real estate professionals, Oregon’s BPS program introduces new compliance responsibilities—but also opportunities. Early knowledge of these standards and prompt action can mean buildings owners can benefit from incentives and avoid penalties for noncompliance.

Anna Reutin is an associate member of the firm’s Real Estate group in Portland, Oregon. Mario Nicholas is a partner in the firm’s Construction group. Contact Anna at anna.reutin@stoel.com or Mario at mario.nicholas@stoel.com for legal guidance on Oregon’s Building Performance Standard‘s Incentive Program.

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed in the preceding commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Daily Journal of Commerce or its editors. Neither the author nor the 91��Ƶ guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein.

The post Oregon’s Building Performance Standards: ODOE finalizes incentive program rules | Opinion appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

Seven projects have been awarded a total of $23 million for preservation efforts to keep affordable housing accessible in the city of Portland.

The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) last week announced the awardees of the Spring 2025 Preservation Request for Proposals (RFP) and the preservation of 484 affordable units within the seven projects across eight sites.

Capital improvements will extend the useful lifetimes of these buildings and increase energy efficiency and address livability and safety concerns for tenants. The RFP made available approximately $23 million in HOME, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) dollars, according to a PHB news release.

PHB regulates more than 17,000 affordable housing units in more than 400 buildings, with other projects in Portland regulated by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and federal rental assistance agreements. Like any capital asset, over time, these buildings require reinvestment to continue providing safe, affordable housing, a PHB news release states.

Following a competitive solicitation process, the bureau will fund seven proposals and preserve at least 484 affordable units and 11 commercial units, with new regulated affordability periods of 60 years or more. The projects include health and life safety repairs, as well as improvements to modernize the buildings and increase livability for residents.

Four of the seven projects will incorporate energy-efficiency and renewable-energy improvements, made possible through funding from PCEF. These awards support the city of Portland’s Climate Investment Plan goal of reducing carbon emissions and help protect low-income communities from the impacts of the climate, according to the city.

Funded proposals are in the early stages of predevelopment. Projects include:

• 333 Oak Street — 333 Oak Street is a building with 90 affordable units. Built in 1909, it primarily serves seniors and people with disabilities with incomes up to 30 percent Area Median Income (AMI), with all units receiving project-based rental assistance. The project team includes developer Northwest Housing Alternatives, architect KASA Architects, general contractor Walsh Construction Co., and construction manager Whitman Development LLC. Work will involve elevator modernization, new windows, new LED lighting, a sprinkler upgrade, full plumbing repair and replacement of unit heating/cooling with heat pumps. The $15.9 million estimated project is scheduled to start construction in 2026;
• the Group 8 Project — Ruth Haefner Plaza and Holgate House Apartments, also known as the Group 8 Project, are two buildings built in 1971 and 1983, respectively, with 153 units combined. It will undergo a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) conversion. Both buildings serve primarily seniors and people with disabilities at or below 30 percent AMI, and all units will have project-based vouchers. The project team includes developer Home Forward, architect Holst Architecture and general contractor Walsh Construction Co. The project team is applying for a 4 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) as public housing to LIHTC conversion/recapitalization, Portland Housing Bureau spokesperson Gabriel Mathews shared in an email.
• Building A (Ruth Haefner) will involve seismic reinforcement, a plumbing system replacement, elevator modernizations, structural masonry repairs with new sealing and insulation, HVAC installation in common areas and new windows. In unit kitchens and bathrooms will be remodeled, and there will be upgrades to ADA units.
• Building B (Holgate House) will involve a roof replacement, ADA upgrades, seismic upgrades, security/access upgrades and sprinkler upgrades. It will also involve replacing windows and replacing heating in common areas and units, as well as solar panels. The approximately $80.6 million project is slated to start construction in 2026.
• Taggart Manor — Taggart Manor is a 23-unit project built in 1960 and serves families in recovery with up to 50 percent AMI. The project is being led by Central City Concern. An architect and general contractor have not been selected. Work in the units will include new kitchen and bathroom appliances, water heater replacements, a lighting replacement and adding mini splits to the bedrooms. It will also involve a full-system electrical replacement, solar install and two EV charging spaces. The $2.2 million project is scheduled to begin in 2026.
• The Whitmarsh Building — The Whitmarsh Building is a 60-unit project built in 1912 serving lower-income, single-adult households, with units regulated at 50 and 60 percent AMI. The project team includes developer Innovative Housing Inc., architect LRS Architects and general contractor Bremik Construction. Work will involve sidewalk vault repair and sidewalk replacement, roof replacement, upgraded insulation and seismic bracing, as well as replacement of the rooftop HVAC, rooftop solar array and lightwell windows. The $5.2 million project is scheduled to start in 2026.
• McCuller Crossing — McCuller Crossing is a 40-unit project built in 2001 that serves low-income families and single adult households with units regulated at 60 percent AMI. The project team includes developer REACH CDC, general contractor Walsh Construction Co., and construction management by Housing Development Center. An architect has not been selected. The work will involve roof replacement, gutter replacement, siding/envelope replacement, window replacement, paint/flooring replacement in common areas and on the exterior and LED lighting in common areas. In-unit work will involve installing heat pumps and LED lighting. The $11 million project will start in 2026.
• Albina Corner — Albina Corner is a 48-unit project built in 1996 that serves low-income families and single-adult households with units regulated at 60 percent AMI. The project team includes developer REACH CDC, general contractor Walsh Construction Co. and construction management by Housing Development Center. An architect has not been selected. Work on the project will involve column repair or replacement, stair repair and water management, siding and window replacement, sealing of exterior masonry, adding a new trash enclosure, repairing the parking lot and replacing the common area lighting. In-unit work will involve adding new Energy Star refrigerators and finish/fixture upgrades. The $17.9 million project will begin construction in 2026.
• Villa de Mariposas — Villa de Mariposas is a 70-unit project built in 2004 and serves low-income families, with units regulated at 30 and 60 percent AMI. Hacienda CDC is leading the project. The design will be in-house. A general contractor has not been selected. Work will involve an exterior refresh, window replacement and mold remediation. The $4.25 million project will begin later this year or in 2026.

The post Portland awards $23M for affordable housing upgrades appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

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.

The post Western Oregon University Steam Line Tunnel Design appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

Project name: Oregon State University Cordley Hall

Location: Corvallis

Completion: April 2024

Size: 220,000 square feet

Cost: $147,040,060

Owner: Oregon State University

Architect: Hennebery Eddy Architects

Interior Designer: Hennebery Eddy Architects

Engineers: KPFF, Systems West Engineering, The Estime Group

General Contractor: Andersen Construction

Submitting Company: Andersen Construction

Key Participants: OSU Departments of Biology, Finance, Design & Construction, College of Agricultural Sciences (key players in space planning and securing grant funding); state of Oregon

Subcontractors: Andersen Construction, Black Line Glazing, D&R Masonry, Floor Solutions, Fought & Co., Griffith Roofing, ISEC, JS Perrott & Co., K&D, McKinstry Fire Protection, McKinstry Piping, OEG, Oregon Commercial Painters, Otis, Pacific Excavation, Pioneer Waterproofing, R3 Engraving and Signs, Rexius, Schonert & Associates, Skyline Sheet Metal, Station Cos., Streimer Sheet Metal, TGC Structural, WH Cress, WPI

A 1950s-era science building at Oregon State University has been transformed into a state-of-the-art research facility through an innovative renovation that maintained operations throughout construction.

Cordley Hall, which houses two science departments serving more than 1,100 students annually, underwent a comprehensive renovation beginning in summer 2020. The project, divided into East and West phases to allow continued occupancy, introduced modern biology research labs, a 220-seat lecture hall, and flexible laboratory spaces.

The renovation represents a strategic investment in the university’s infrastructure. The project reduced OSU’s deferred maintenance backlog by $45 million.

The renovation brought significant upgrades to the aging structure, including seismic safety improvements, accessibility enhancements, new mechanical and electrical systems with standby power, and updated fire protection systems.

Among the project’s standout features is a revitalized courtyard designed by artist Ann Hamilton, featuring custom pavers embossed with DNA sequences representing the last universal common ancestor shared by all living organisms.

The renovation also introduced a new 5,816-square-foot District Utility Plant supporting Cordley Hall and five additional campus buildings. This centralized cooling approach marks a new energy efficiency model for the university, contributing to energy consumption levels 36 percent below code requirements and approximately $150,000 in annual energy cost savings.

Rather than demolishing the structure, preserving the original building reduced material waste and maintained the historical character of the campus. The building now meets LEED Gold equivalency standards under OSU’s Requirements for Sustainable Development program.

Cordley Hall houses the departments of Integrative Biology and Botany and Plant Pathology, serving both the College of Science and the College of Agricultural Sciences. It also accommodates two significant natural history collections – the Herbarium and the Oregon State Arthropod Collection – comprising more than 3.5 million specimens that are now more prominently displayed for public access.

The renovation utilized Building Information Modeling for detailed planning, implemented chilled beam technology for efficient cooling, and incorporated fiber-reinforced materials for structural integrity, all while preserving the building’s historic character.

The project required 15 percent apprenticeship involvement. Andersen Construction’s onsite labor came in at 26 percent for apprenticeship hours, 22 percent for minority hours and 5 percent for hours worked by women.

OSU’s departments of Biology, Finance, Design & Construction, and College of Agricultural Sciences played key roles in planning the spaces and securing grant funding for the project. Funding sources included the state of Oregon, $104 million; OSU, $55 million; and grants, $10.5 million.

The post Oregon State University Cordley Hall appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

Project name: Embassy Condominiums

Location: Portland

Completion: September 2024

Size: 12,000 square feet

Cost: $4.9 million

Owner/Developer: Embassy Condominium Owners Association

Engineer: Edward Crabaugh Engineering Consulting

General Contractor: I&E Construction

Submitting Company: I&E Construction

Subcontractors: D&F Plumbing, NW Scaffold, Oswego Drywall

A century-old structure on Northwest Flanders Street received a new lease on life as crews completed a delicate plumbing renovation at the Embassy Condominiums while preserving its historical character.

The comprehensive project replaced all above-grade plumbing supply and waste lines in the occupied building, requiring workers to navigate unique challenges including unusual wall construction and lead containment issues.

One of the most significant hurdles the project team faced was the issue of lead containment. Because of the building’s age, lead-based materials were present in areas like paint, plaster, and finishes. Crews implemented a mobile lead containment system featuring negative air pressure to prevent contamination. Workers wore protective coveralls and respirators while constructing modular containment areas that could be transported between units.

An unexpected challenge emerged when workers discovered the building’s walls were constructed with metal lath and plaster rather than traditional wood framing. This required installing new metal framing inside walls to properly secure drywall. This was highly unusual, even for a building of its age, and required a complete reassessment of the team’s approach.

Restoring a structure of this age required an exceptional level of precision. Preserving original elements like the century-old switchboards, terrazzo floors, and vintage bathroom and kitchen tiles presented unique challenges. For example, repairing terrazzo is a specialized skill, as only a few craftsmen can perform this intricate work. The project team took great care to protect these elements, ensuring that restoration was done without compromise.

With residents living in the building throughout the renovation, work was carefully planned to minimize disruption. Since each unit had only one bathroom, crews ensured new fixtures were installed and operational by day’s end.

The project also addressed long-standing issues with the building’s aging infrastructure. A modern hot water recirculation system was installed, delivering hot water faster throughout the building while improving energy efficiency.

During renovation, workers encountered sewer gas buildup in a confined space, prompting immediate safety measures including temporary exhaust systems to eliminate the hazardous buildup.

The restoration required exceptional customer service. The building had been awaiting restoration for more than six years, making communication with residents crucial. The team realized that restoring a century-old building can be a deeply emotional process for residents. From the beginning, contractors focused on fostering trust, keeping residents informed, and promptly addressing concerns.

“The Embassy Condominiums restoration project is a true testament to the power of innovative problem-solving and craftsmanship,” said Mitchell McBride, I&E Construction project manager/estimator, in the project nomination form. “By balancing the preservation of historic elements with modern upgrades, we’ve not only ensured the building’s long-term functionality but also revitalized a cherished piece of the community’s history.”

The post Embassy Condominiums appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

Project name: City of Happy Valley Library Expansion

Location: Happy Valley

Completion: August 2024

Size: 10,700 square feet

Cost: $9,348,302

Owner/Developer: City of Happy Valley

Architect: Scott Edwards Architecture

Engineers: Harper Houf Peterson Righellis, Interface Engineering

General Contractor: Bremik Construction

Submitting Company: Bremik Construction

Other Associates/Key Consultants: ABD Engineering and Design, Reyes Engineering, Vertex Technology Design and Consulting

Subcontractors: Anderson Specialties, Architectural Metalcrafters, Authority Dock & Door, B & T Striping and Curbing, BASCO, Bell Hardware, Bryker Enterprises, Building Material Specialties, Cascade Acoustics, D & H Flagging, Dallas Glass, Diamond Concrete Products, Duke Construction & Excavation, Eastside Paving, Elementary Energy, Fire Systems West, Hercon Rebar & Post Tension, Hilltop Commercial Supply, Insulation Contractors, Integrity Industries dba Cement Elegance, Interior Technology, Longhorn Geomatics, MB Structures, McDonald & Wetle, Northwest Masonry Restoration, Pacific Window Tinting, Paulson’s Floor Coverings, Piper Mechanical, Portland Electrical Construction, RedBuilt, Rich Holland Painting, Skyline Sheet Metal, Spectrum Custom Interiors, Superior Interiors, Ultra Quiet Floors, Van Lom Concrete, Vaughn Environmental, Wallace Steel, Wright Manufacturing, Zeeland

The City of Happy Valley’s 10,700-square-foot library expansion transformed an existing space into an enhanced community hub for the city’s 55,000 residents.

Designed around the concept of “The Community’s Living Room,” the expansion includes a 300-person community room that can be divided into smaller spaces, private study rooms for both individual and group use, and improved accessibility features.

The architectural design bridges old and new, with the existing library structure inspired by book spines while the expansion draws from book binding imagery. This concept appears throughout the project, from the zigzag facade addressing the steep slope to matching acoustic treatments inside. The triangular, sloped site required an intentional floorplan that maximized every square foot: even niches and nooks have purpose.

The expansion maintains a single public-facing level for accessibility despite challenging terrain, with a staff-only lower level housing mechanical equipment and storage. The design orients the community room toward an adjacent nature reserve, maximizing visitors’ connection with the natural surroundings.

Interior spaces feature wood tones echoing the exterior’s vertical slats, exposed structural glulams in the community room, and neutral, durable materials that support various activities and easy maintenance.

Construction presented multiple challenges, including proximity to a habitat conservation area, maintaining library operations throughout the project, and winter weather delays that extended completion by three days.

The expansion outperforms Oregon Energy Code requirements by 30 percent, incorporating sustainable elements including a 33-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array, installed by Portland Electrical Construction in partnership with Elementary Energy; all-electric HVAC systems for energy-efficient climate control; and advanced insulation techniques to improve thermal performance. A robust stormwater management system mitigates runoff and protects the adjacent habitat conservation area.

Though not required by contract, the project team prioritized community engagement by partnering with several local businesses.

The collaboration among Bremik Construction, Scott Edwards Architecture, and multiple engineering firms ensured the project addressed technical complexities such as aligning new HVAC systems with existing infrastructure and coordinating sophisticated utility networks.

“The Happy Valley Library Expansion has been an overnight transformation for our community living room,” said Ben Bryant, Happy Valley assistant city manager, in the project nomination form. “Our typical programs such as story times more than doubled in average attendance within the first weeks of opening. Moreover, the project was delivered on-time, under-budget, and with zero workplace injuries.”

The post City of Happy Valley Library Expansion appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

Hope Telford joined Portland-based Richard Brown Architect in 2014 and bought the firm in 2020 with the goal of creating spaces that emphasize natural materials, comfort, usability and energy efficiency.

“I’ve always been a big creative thinker and it’s been a large shift for me to move from being primarily a designer to taking a leadership role, but I love that,” she said.

The firm specializes in wineries, new homes, home renovations and ADUs, sacred and educational spaces, and commercial projects. Telford said she appreciates the opportunity to help her staff achieve their goals while also satisfying clients.

“It’s really great to see clients who are happy because their spaces turned out to be so much more than they ever imagined,” she said.

The post Telford + Brown Studio Architecture appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.