The American Institute of Architects yesterday released a list of its top 10 green projects for 2012.
Mercy Corps global headquarters on Southwest Naito Parkway near the Burnside Bridge, a $21.3 million project completed in 2009, was one of the buildings chosen for recognition.
The project was completed primarily by Portland firms, including THA Architecture—whose principal partner Will Dann served as project manager—Walker Macy, ABHT Structural Engineers, DECA, Peter Meijer Architect, Green Building Services, Glumac International, Shiels Obletz Johnsen and Walsh Construction Co. General Contractor.
According to the AIA awards announcement, 87 percent of the existing historic Packer-Scott building was reused in construction and furnishings for the non-profit's new headquarters.
This was a major selling point to at least one juror, who wrote:
"Not to underestimate the obvious but let’s applaud the initial decision to do an adaptive reuse. The message is that it doesn’t cost more, in fact — they absolutely optimized everything possible in the renovation…"
More photos are available at AIA's website, including some views you can't get waiting for the Skidmore Fountain MAX.