Groundwire

1510 SE Water Avenue • Portland

Once a hardworking transformer depot, Groundwire is now a modern workspace and one of Portland’s cleanest, greenest, and healthiest buildings.

Delivered

2015

Asset Type

Office

Square Feet

40,000

Architect

Mackenzie

Contractor

Robertson & Olson

Website

Theelectricblocks.com

Old Building, New Life

The Groundwire building was originally built as a railroad freight depot in 1909. More than a century later, we saw potential where others just saw a tear-down and thus embarked on the complete redevelopment of the building. The project presented more than its fair share of complex challenges, but in the end, it was all worth it.

Throughout the redevelopment process, we dug deep into our collective knowledge and experience with environmental restoration, solving new problems on a daily basis. We collaborated with several great partners and worked closely with the building’s prior owner, Portland General Electric, to fully unlock the site’s potential and save a piece of Portland’s Industrial History.

Blending Things Old and New

By combining original elements with new ideas, we were able to create a one of a kind building offering the best of both worlds. We salvaged the original gabled and hitched roof and used the old-growth lumber throughout the interior. Then we added modern features like a radiant and chilled floor mechanical system. To give the project warmth and inspiration throughout, we added authentic cast-in-place concrete columns and walls, high ceilings, large operable windows, a three-story central atrium, and a fitness lounge.

One of a Kind

Ultimately, our transformation of this old depot achieved LEED Platinum certification and resulted in one of the most energy-efficient private office buildings in our region.

Perfectly situated in the heart of the Central Eastside Industrial District, Groundwire’s location is just as attractive as the building itself. Easy access to the Eastbank Esplanade, numerous Water Ave amenities, Portland Streetcar, and the MAX light rail system are all within close proximity.

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