The Portland City Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to authorize up to $41 million in revenue bonds to pay for construction of a new CityFleet maintenance facility, plus an additional $1.9 million for estimated financing and bond issuance costs.

The project will include a garage, an office, a parts area, electric vehicle charging stations and other related infrastructure. The total cost estimate is $57 million. Other funding includes approximately $14.6 million of Portland Clean Energy Fund grant money and approximately $2 million of fleet division cash resources.

The bond issuance process typically takes about 12 weeks, with a sale anticipated in March 2026 and closing in April 2026, according to a staff report by the city’s finance committee. Repayment is planned over 20 years at 5 percent interest.

The new facility’s annual costs, including debt service and operations/maintenance, will be approximately $7 million from 2026 through 2046. Costs will be covered through rates included in interagency agreements, which are paid by bureaus based on their expected use of project amenities, the ordinance states.

CityFleet has the largest municipal fleet in the state. A “path to net zero” calls for the fleet’s carbon emissions to drop to zero by 2050. To support this goal, CityFleet must have a primary maintenance garage able to handle electrical needs in terms of both capacity and efficiency. CityFleet’s existing facility, Kerby Garage, at 2929 N. Kerby Ave., is unable to support an electrification transition because of its outdated electrical system, small size and inefficient physical layout. Kerby Garage has a leaking roof, inadequate electrical and fire safety protection, and no capacity for EV expansion. Plus, it isn’t compliant with modern seismic and energy codes. The city estimates that even after a renovation that could cost $43 million, the building would fail to meet modern operational and safety standards, according to the city’s Bureau of Fleet and Facilities.

The new maintenance facility – to be called the Cutter Garage – will be at property on Swan Island, at 6800 N. Cutter Circle. The Cutter Garage will be operated under a 23-year lease, with options for two 10-year lease extensions. The facility is owned by Elm Realty Partners.

The Cutter Garage will be able to serve more than 2,400 vehicles used by more than a dozen city bureaus, accommodate the city’s growing electric vehicle fleet, and provide safe working conditions for 50 vehicle and equipment mechanics. Features will include safe and modern workspaces, multiple bays per worker, and a modern electrical system and EV charging infrastructure. The project team plans to seek a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver rating for the building.

The project team includes architect LRS Architects and construction manager/general contractor JE Dunn Construction.

The project is expected to enter the bidding phase in late November, with subcontractor selections and guaranteed maximum price recommendations targeted for mid-January, according to city spokesperson Alison Perkins.

The city expects permitting to take place in March 2026, and then construction to start the following month. The project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2027.

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Project name: Redmond Library

Location: Redmond

Completion: September 2024

Size: 40,000 square feet

Cost: $31.5 million

Owner: Deschutes Public Library

Owner’s Representative: Redpoint Construction Management

Architect: The Miller Hull Partnership, Steele Associates Architects

Interior Designer: The Miller Hull Partnership

Engineers: KPFF, HWA, Interface Engineering

General Contractor: Kirby Nagelhout Construction Co.

Submitting Company: Kirby Nagelhout Construction Co.

Other Associates/Key Consultants: Blanca Lighting Design, Mayer Reed, Morrison Hershfield, Plus and Greater Than, Studio Pacifica, Tenor Engineering Group, Walker Macy

Subcontractors: Advance Cabinet Designs, Advanced Technology Group, Andres Landscape, Apollo Sheet Metal, Beacon Roofing Supply, BrandSafway Services, Building Material Specialties, Ceniga Masonry, Central Oregon Garage Door, Central Oregon Roofing, Deschutes Concrete Construction, Deschutes Painting, Energy Conservation Insulation, Fabulous Floors, Hickman Williams & Associates, Interior Technology, Joni’s Construction Cleaning, Max Manufacturing, Metro Tint, Mike’s Fence Center, Mt. Hood Corps., Northwest Framing Systems, Pacific Decorative Concrete, Phoenix Fire Protection, Rixir Systems, Simple Safety Solutions, Skyline Sheet Metal, SouthTown Glass, StructureCraft Builders, Summers Wood Floor, Sunlight Solar Energy, Terminix, TK Elevator, Tomco Electric, Western Partitions

The new Redmond Library offers residents a state-of-the-art facility that nearly doubles the size of its predecessor while incorporating cutting-edge sustainable design elements.

The two-story, 40,000-square-foot structure stands on the same site as the original library following approval of a Deschutes Public Library bond measure by county voters. The project is part of a larger initiative to renovate existing libraries and construct two new facilities throughout the county.

Designed through a partnership between Seattle-based The Miller Hull Partnership and local firm Steele Associates Architects, the building features an innovative mass timber framework that provides both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. The use of acoustic dowel-laminated timber sets the project apart. It reduces the need for additional acoustical elements while maintaining the open nature of the spaces.

Brick buildings are a theme throughout the city of Redmond, so the new library is brick-clad but in a darker tone and laid out in a stacked-bond style to set it apart as a modern building.

The library’s distinctive design includes a feature staircase fabricated by Bend’s Max Manufacturing and a large custom sculpture by renowned Pacific Northwest artist John Grade, inspired by Central Oregon sagebrush.

Beyond traditional library services, the facility offers multiple community-focused amenities including multi-purpose spaces, a children’s discovery area, and maker spaces for activities like sewing and 3D printing. Adults and teens can utilize collaborative areas designed for studying and co-working.

For user convenience, the building includes a drive-up window for materials pickup and drop-off during or after library hours.

Sustainability was prioritized throughout construction, with photovoltaic solar panels installed on the roof and over parking areas to help the building achieve net-zero energy consumption. The facility is on track for LEED Gold certification, with Platinum certification possible. Additional eco-friendly features include electric vehicle charging stations, ample natural lighting through skylights and clearstory windows, and the elimination of PVC materials outside of mechanical and electrical systems.

Located adjacent to community parks, schools and residential areas, the library is positioned to become a central hub for Redmond residents.

The construction was completed by Kirby Nagelhout Construction Co. in coordination with Redpoint Construction Management and the architectural firms, with all parties citing the high degree of communication and collaboration as key to the project’s success. There was significant local participation on the project, with 60 percent of trade partners from the area.

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Otak‘s name comes from the initials of founders Nawzad Othman, Ralph Tahran and Greg Kurahashi. It quickly grew into a firm with a presence across the western United States and the Middle East, with a strong reputation for smart growth planning, sustainable design and development, and innovative transportation solutions.

Over the last 45 years, Otak has built upon its multidisciplinary expertise and its services include urban design, architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, planning and construction management. With each project, Otak shares its clients’ commitment to promoting socially and environmentally responsible participation in business opportunities.

As part of its sustainability efforts, Otak has been quantifying and offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions associated with its business operations. This includes working with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to quantify and offset its carbon footprint. Otak’s team is experienced in guiding clients in their pursuit of LEED, Envision, Greenroads, WELL and Green Globes certifications.

Otak actively seeks to partner with minority business enterprises and certified firms in the communities where it works. The company recognizes that supporting MWESBs requires a strategic approach to building relationships, cultivating opportunities and providing mentorship. Otak provides mentorship opportunities to teaming partners and students exploring paths within the AEC industry.

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