Oregon Supreme Court Interior Modernization & Seismic Retrofit

Hennebery Eddy’s forward-thinking approach to preservation and resilience guided the interior modernization and seismic retrofit of Oregon’s 1914 Supreme Court Building, the oldest government building in Salem. Adjacent to the State Capitol, the three-story Beaux Arts-style building features terra cotta, marble, and mahogany, with an abundance of classical detailing, a grand staircase, and striking stained-glass laylight in the courtroom. With a team of historic and technical experts, we improved functionality, performance, and safety while meticulously preserving the character-defining features of this beautiful landmark.

Our design incorporates universal access enhancements and energy-efficiency updates to not only exceed the State Energy Efficient Design (SEED) requirements but also achieved LEED Gold certification — providing a more healthy and accessible work environment for the 60 workers integral to Oregon’s highest courts. The building foundation was replaced with a base isolation system that will keep the building functional for immediate occupancy and operations after a significant earthquake. Other spaces throughout the building were restored, rehabilitated, or renovated, depending on their historical significance and integrity. Our historical architects successfully nominated the Supreme Court to the National Register of Historic Places, helping to ensure this critical modernization endures into the future.