Portland, OR – [August 1, 2023] – Unico Properties is thrilled to announce that Galleria, formerly known as the Olds, Wortman & King department store, has been honored with the prestigious Landmark Award presented by the Portland Business Journal. The award, bestowed upon exceptional commercial real estate projects in the greater Portland area, celebrates Galleria’s extraordinary adaptive reuse and transformative renovation that preserved the building’s rich history while creating a state-of-the-art, Class-A office space.
Originally constructed in 1910, the 5-story, 195,000 square foot Galleria stands as a remarkable architectural gem in Portland’s central business district. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building presented an extraordinary opportunity to preserve local history while rejuvenating its interior to meet the demands of modern businesses.
Beginning in 2021, $20 million was invested in the project, which reached its completion in September 2022. The renovation was led by a team of exceptional partners, including Walen Construction as the general contractor, KPFF Consulting as the engineer, and SERA as the architects.
The revitalized Galleria now showcases a seamless blend of historical charm and contemporary design. Renovations included a revamped main lobby, featuring comfortable seating, a concierge, and an informative touchscreen showcasing the building’s features, sustainability initiatives, and its contribution to the surrounding community.
One of the most striking additions is the feature staircase located at the main entrance, designed to connect all floors while providing abundant natural light and signage to promote occupant use for health and well-being. The project also focused on enhancing accessibility for cyclists, with a secure bike room, lockers, and changing rooms in the basement, accommodating 162 bikes for long-term storage, and an additional 20 short-term bike racks around the property perimeter. Furthermore, the addition of two Blink electric vehicle charging stations in the parking garage further showcases Galleria’s commitment to sustainability.
The building’s mechanical and electrical systems received a complete upgrade, prioritizing decarbonization, performance, and indoor air quality. Galleria was transformed into an all-electric system, eliminating on-site fossil fuel emissions, while achieving deep energy retrofits in alignment with the Architecture 2030 Challenge for New Construction. The building’s Energy Use Intensity (EUI) was significantly reduced from 52 kBtu/SF/year to 29 kBtu/SF/year, including offsetting 2 kBtu/SF/year through a 20-year subscription to a local Community Solar program.
A key component of the energy efficiency strategy was the implementation of an ultra high-performing VRF/DOAS system with Heat Recovery Ventilation for the HVAC system, providing 100% outdoor air with improved filtration. Indoor air quality was further optimized through CO2 monitoring, MERV 13 filtration, and the implementation of an IAQ management plan during construction.
The project’s dedication to water efficiency is evident through the use of low-flow flush fixtures in common area restrooms and the fitness center, reducing potable water consumption by 42% from the industry-standard baseline.
The Galleria’s exceptional achievements have garnered significant recognition, including the Energy Trust of Oregon’s ‘New Buildings – Whole Buildings – Path to Net Zero (PTNZ)’ certification, earning approximately $530,000 in incentives. Moreover, the project is currently pursuing three additional certifications: LEED v4 BD+C: Core & Shell Gold, Fitwel – Workplace, Multi-Tenant Base Building Design Certification, and Fitwel VRM Certification, with anticipated certification for all three later this year.
The Galleria’s transformation stands as a testament to the power of adaptive reuse and sustainable development. By breathing new life into this over 100-year-old building, Unico Properties has not only created a landmark that will endure for another century but also set an inspiring example for future projects seeking to merge history with innovation.
As a building that reflects the essence of Portland’s unique character and charm, the Galleria embodies Unico’s commitment to environmental leadership and ESG goals. The success of this project encourages others to explore creative solutions for existing structures and contribute to the creation of iconic landmarks within their respective cityscapes.
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