Volta
1709 SE 3rd Avenue • Portland, OR
Where Art, Architecture, and Impact Converge. Once an electrical warehouse, Volta at the Electric Blocks has been reimagined as an art-forward, LEED Platinum certified, light-filled haven of inspiration and possibility in the Central Eastside.
Calling All Visionaries
Located in the dynamic Central Eastside, Volta was built to be a muse for startups and established companies alike, by mixing contemporary art and design with the kind of character only an exposed truss warehouse can provide. When we discovered the soaring wood ceilings of this pre-WWII building, we knew that bringing Volta to life would be an extraordinary challenge, but one that would be truly worth it.
Build for the Future
Volta presented the perfect opportunity for us to test a range of impact-related goals and initiatives at Killian Pacific. We partnered with exceptional teams, BORA Architecture and Turner Construction, who shared our enthusiasm and desire to push the industry forward, and together we focused on advancing equity in the construction trades, pursuing innovative sustainability solutions, and nurturing creative expression in our city through the arts.
Challenge the Status Quo
With Volta, we set an ambitious target to award 25% of construction costs to underrepresented community owned companies. With the support of partners like the Oregon chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors, we exceeded expectations, reaching nearly 60% by project completion. Underrepresented communities contributed to 73% of construction apprentices and 54% of journey hours. Our success hinged on transforming our bidding process and architect contracts by allowing more time for outreach and education and introducing monthly DEI training on-site for all construction crews where, together, the construction crews co-created a set of community inclusion guidelines specifically for the job site.
LEED the Way
Volta’s design was meticulously crafted to incorporate a multitude of sustainability efforts, resulting in its achievement of LEED Platinum Certification. It stands as Portland’s first building to be awarded Platinum status using the U.S. Green Building Council’s updated V4 process.
Notable accomplishments include offsetting 100% of core and shell energy consumption through a photovoltaic installation on adjacent Electric Blocks buildings, employing adaptive reuse of existing materials on-site, implementing advanced energy metering systems, participating in PGE’s Demand Response pilot program, installing EV charging stations, and providing ample bike parking spaces to encourage alternative transportation. Volta boasts a remarkable 41.4% energy cost savings compared to national standards—an incredible achievement for an old Electrical Warehouse.
Art, meet Architecture
Fueling creative expression and bringing art to the Central Eastside was a vital aspect of the Volta project. We collaborated with the Portland Street Art Alliance, long-time advocates of Portland’s street art community, to expand their Community Art Site Program to the parking garage walls of Volta. These walls now showcase a rotating series of murals created by local and visiting street artists.
Volta’s street-facing lobby, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls, invites pedestrians and tenants to marvel at the mesmerizing large-scale LED wall by Studio1Thousand. Aptly named “Inside the Kaleidoscope,” this captivating installation offers a gradually transforming color study, acting as a welcoming beacon for all who enter or pass by.
The Volta Vision
The Volta project is a true testament to the power of visionary thinking, showcasing the successful integration of art, architecture, and social impact. From its unique blend of contemporary art and design to its commitment to equity, sustainability, and community engagement, Volta stands as a catalyst for transformation in the Central Eastside and beyond. It is a place where visionaries can thrive, and where creativity, innovation, and inclusivity synergize to shape a brighter future.
