The Oregon Supreme Court Building underwent an extensive interior modernization and seismic retrofit, including a base-isolated seismic system, renovation of first-floor office spaces, restoration of historic interior finishes, and the replacement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Following its rehabilitation by Hennebery Eddy Architects, the building is now one of only two LEED Gold-certified historic base-isolated structures in the United States and the first in Oregon. This transformation provides a safer, more accessible environment for the 60 workers central to the state’s highest courts.
Architectural and Historical Significance
Originally built in 1914, the Oregon Supreme Court (OSC) Building is the oldest government structure on Salem’s capitol mall and an architectural hallmark of Oregon’s government. Designed by State Architect William Christmas Knighton, it is a premier example of the Beaux-Arts style and the first documented use of terra cotta in Oregon outside Portland. The four-story, 50,000-square-foot building boasts marble and mahogany details, a grand staircase, and the historically significant Povey Brothers stained-glass laylight in the courtroom. The project preserved these defining features through selective demolition, structural and MEP upgrades, and the building’s successful nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
The project team undertook a rigorous pre-design phase that included in situ structural and material testing, geotechnical analyses, and virtual simulations. Various factors were weighed, such as construction cost, duration, and potential damage to historic features, including adjustments to window jambs, decorative plaster ceilings, and a full replacement of the basement and foundation. This comprehensive approach yielded valuable insights for similar future efforts: engaging contractors during design, conducting thorough soft demolition investigations, and being ready for unexpected discoveries like the original courtroom cork floor uncovered during carpet removal, which led to select floor restorations.
State-of-the-Art Seismic Resilience
One of the primary goals was to protect this iconic structure from potential damage caused by a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. The seismic retrofit included a triple-friction-pendulum base-isolation system combined with traditional shear walls. This approach decouples the building from ground movement, allowing it to remain stable even with up to two feet of lateral ground oscillation. Engineered for Immediate Occupancy N standards, the retrofit ensures minimal damage to brittle materials and MEP systems during major seismic events. The Oregon Supreme Court Building is now a leading example of seismic resilience among historic structures.
Enhancing Functionality and Accessibility
The rehabilitation also delivered significant performance and comfort upgrades. Integrated MEP systems are expected to reduce energy use by 22%, resulting in nearly 25% cost savings. Zoned HVAC and lighting controls enhance energy efficiency and user comfort, while low-flow fixtures reduce water use by 35%. Approximately 62% of the building’s existing interior finishes and 90% of its furniture were salvaged, restored, and reused. Environmental product declarations verified the improved lifecycle impacts of new finishes. Additionally, the introduction of interior daylighting, LED retrofits for historic fixtures, and modern amenities such as bicycle storage, employee showers, and universally accessible restrooms modernized the building while honoring its history.
These enhancements culminate in a 59% pEUI reduction compared to the AIA 2030 baseline, earning State of Oregon SEED certification and pending LEED Gold certification. The Oregon Supreme Court Building now stands as a model for sustainable and resilient preservation, blending historical significance with forward-thinking design.
Discover more of the project in our gallery:
Hennebery Eddy Design Team
Alan Osborne, Principal-in-Charge
Andrew Smith, Principal-in-Charge
Meg Matsushima, Project Manager
Randall Rieks, Project Manager & Designer
Josette Katcha, Historical Architect
Marci Krauss, Interior Designer
Project Team
Architecture and Interior Design: Hennebery Eddy Architects
Contractor: Hoffman Construction
Civil Engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers
Structural Engineer: Forell-Elsesser Engineers, Inc., KPFF Consulting Engineers (peer review)
Mechanical Engineer: Interface Engineering
Electrical Engineer: Interface Engineering
Landscape: Knot Studio
Acoustical Engineer: Acoustic Design Studio
Sustainability Consultant: Brightworks Sustainability
Artist: April Wagner
Plaster: The Harver Company
Wood: JS Perrot & Co.
Concrete: Pence/Kelley Concrete, LLC
Photography
Josh Partee
Brands/Products
- Moat Covers: SSRW – Moat Cover Pan, Construction Specialties, Inc.
- Corridor Cover: Multi-Axial Corridor Cover, Construction Specialties, Inc.
- Base Isolators: Triple Pendulum, EPS.
- Interior Finishes: Paint and Stains, Sherwin-Williams.
- Elevator: Gen2 Passenger Elevator, Otis.
- Office Privacy Glass: Decorative Laminated Glass, McGrory Glass, Inc.
- Carpet: Broadloom Carpet, Fabrica; Carpet Tile, Mannington.
love this project and this building