Demolition Phase Is Underway on Michael Graves’ Portland Building

The groundbreaking for the renovation of Michael Graves’ 1982 iconic Portland Building in Oregon—which houses the administrative offices of the City of Portland—took place on December 2017. DLR Group is the architect behind the approximately $195 million renovation, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. Although the ambitious project has raised fundamental questions among historic preservationists, both the architects and the City of Portland argue that the renovation project would help to realize Graves’ original vision for the 15-story office building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. “The project includes a thoughtful reconstruction of the building exterior that will keep the weather out of the building while respecting the historical significance of the original design,” according to the City of Portland’s website. “Additionally, the building’s operational systems and seismic structure will be modernized.”

According to the City of Portland, the demolition phase is currently underway and has already altered the appearance of all the floors. Many nonstructural elements have been removed, including the interior furring wall, opaque spandrel glass, and teal-colored tiles that used to cover the façade of the lower three floors. New clear glass (for maximizing natural light) and a rainscreen system (for alleviating he building’s water infiltration issues) will also be installed. The new rainscreen will replicate the original colors and geometries of the building’s painted concrete and tiles, said the architects, and will be installed over the current façade. Additionally, the copper Portlandia statue will be protected by scaffolding and plastic wrap, at all times, during the construction work.

“We are very excited to see this progress and are looking forward to bringing the Portland Building back to life,” said project architect Erica Cedar.

The Portland Building’s renovation is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

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