Multnomah County Library Operations Center

The “beating heart” of the Multnomah County Library system – because it keeps the entire system running – the new Operations Center is essential for effectively managing more than 500,000 catalogue materials. Hennebery Eddy’s adaptive reuse design of a vacant 1995 grocery store transformed and expanded this 73,000-square-foot facility into a bustling workplace in east Portland. 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 anticipates LEED Gold certification as well as Living Future Net-Zero Energy certification. The design prominently features more than 600 solar panels that will fully offset the building’s energy use.

Interior spaces prioritize the well-being of the 130 employees who keep the library system running: daylighting and natural materials abound, a second-floor terrace provides staff access to nature, and common spaces are energized by large-scale biophilic murals — designed by community members in partnership with the Portland Street Art Alliance. The facility supports Multnomah County Library’s goal to provide more equitable library services by incorporating automated materials handling technology, which efficiently distributes library items to all reaches of the county while freeing up time for staff to focus on patron services. Also on site is Rose City Reads, a public storefront operated by the Friends of Multnomah County Library that sells used and donated books along with other merchandise.

Artwork featured in these images includes the following: interior pieces “Maker’s Mark I+II” by David Rice and “Cherish and Respect” by Jessllyn Brinkerhoff (in partnership with Portland Street Art Alliance), and exterior mural by Tenya Rodriguez (in partnership with Regional Arts and Culture Council).