The renovation of the historic Willamette Building into PCC’s Downtown Center allows PCC to consolidate administrative functions into a central location. SERA’s work on this project began by assisting PCC with several quick-response studies as part of the due diligence pre-purchase effort. To correspond with existing lease termination agreements, the project required an aggressive schedule. SERA worked collaboratively with PCC, City of Portland and Fortis Construction to develop a concept to design, permit and construct a full building renovation with seismic and mechanical/electrical improvements with total project duration of 12 months.
The initial planning work included development of organizational schemes and programmatic elements which were tested and confirmed in a series of interactive workshops followed by formal presentation to the PCC Board of Directors. In addition to seismic and program modifications, SERA performed a high-level cost benefit analysis of primary sustainable design strategies. The project was awarded LEED Gold certification, with efficiencies 20% better than code.
