SERA’s renovation of the Transportation Building completely modernized all systems in the aging 1950 building, while preserving its marble and bronze historic exterior. Located on the Capitol Mall in Salem, the building now provides occupants with natural daylight, improved air quality, an open and flexible office floor plan, and up-to-date life safety systems. ODOT also used the renovation as an opportunity to consolidate their leased properties and pilot a new way to organize their workforce around increased collaboration areas.
The renovation included seismic reinforcing walls to mitigate earthquake risks, new electrical and telecommunication systems, a new mechanical system, new sprinklers, and stairway improvements. All the improvements were designed to fit unobtrusively into the space without intruding on workstation flexibility. The lobby was modified to provide a graceful entry to the Oregon Transportation Commission room and the East Courtyard was transformed into an urban amenity and new front door for ODOT, becoming the main focal point for placing public art funded by the project.
ODOT was committed to a strong sustainable design approach. The project exceeded its LEED Gold target and achieved LEED Platinum. The project is the first to initiate a native landscape design approach on the Capitol Mall.
