Representing every aspect of Hennebery Eddy’s guiding principles – inspire, embrace, and renew – libraries have long been part of our portfolio. We’re proud to have partnered with Multnomah County Library (MCL), one of the largest and most-used library systems in the country, for almost 20 years. In 2020, county voters approved a major capital bond to revitalize the library system and its neighboring communities. Nearly four years later, we’re celebrating the grand opening of the new central operations center (and a project award), groundbreaking of a relocated Northwest Portland branch library, the re-opening of the iconic Central Library, and more future-forward updates system-wide.
New Operations Center Named Top Project
The “beating heart” of the library system – because it keeps the entire system running – the new MCL Operations Center was honored as a DJC Oregon 2024 Top Project. Our adaptive reuse design of a vacant Safeway store transformed this 73,000-square-foot facility into a bustling workplace in east Portland. The center is essential for efficiently managing more than 500,000 catalogue materials, and as the first bond project, was critical to the success of all other projects. Embodying our net-positive design approach, the Operations Center is the first project to meet Multnomah County’s ambitious fossil fuel-free buildings resolution and is on track for LEED Gold certification as well as Living Future Net-Zero Energy certification. The design features more than 600 solar panels that will fully offset the building’s energy use, a second-floor terrace providing staff access to nature, and large-scale and biophilic murals designed by community members in partnership with the Portland Street Art Alliance. The Top Projects award program honors the “best of the best” in Oregon’s construction industry annually; the award is shared with Fortis Construction.
New Northwest Library Breaks Ground
Northwest Portland’s beloved branch library is getting a glow-up, moving to an existing 11,000-square-foot warehouse-style facility that will more than double the library’s current capacity. Recently, Hennebery Eddy helped the county and contractor Howard S. Wright celebrate the groundbreaking of this new site, with construction planned for summer 2025 completion. Our project team organized extensive community engagement as part of the design process, gathering input on what neighbors want and need. Community-driven design features include a large play and learning space for children and families; a dedicated teen area with space for technology, homework, and creative expression; flexible meeting spaces and technology access for the public; and art that represents the community. Members of public were even invited to vote on the library’s color palette — choosing the option inspired by the sky and sunset during the migration of Vaux’s Swift birds, which roost in the nearby Chapman Elementary School chimney each year in the late summer and early fall.
Central Library Begins a New Chapter
Opened in 1913 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, MCL’s Central Library is a block-sized beacon in downtown Portland. Hennebery Eddy has helped maintain this iconic building for many years and was selected for its first significant refresh in 30 years, which closed the popular building for many months. It reopened to much fanfare and excitement in early 2024, wowing visitors with updated finishes, comfy seating, and moveable book stacks that can easily be rearranged for special events. The Friends of the Library bookstore is now located just inside the main entrance, bathrooms were expanded and made more accessible, and the entire facility benefits from improved daylighting — all contributing to an atmosphere patrons can enjoy for hours.
Refreshes for Revitalized Communities
MCL’s branch libraries not on the docket for major renovation are still being spruced up for safety and systems upgrades. Hennebery Eddy has designed 11 branch “refresh” projects, with three completed and re-opened, and several others near or in construction. Upgrades include new furniture, paint, and carpet to enhance user comfort, new technology such as improved wifi and automated materials handling to help patrons receive their materials faster, and other updates to make spaces more welcoming for all.
Operations Center artwork featured in project images includes the following: “Maker’s Mark I+II” by David Rice and “Woodland Passages” by Nicky Kriara (in partnership with Portland Street Art Alliance).