Transportation Building lobby

Open House set for Sept. 8

After a nearly two-year renovation, the Transportation Building on the Capitol Mall in Salem is open for business.

Throughout August, employees moved in on all floors – some returned to a building they hardly recognize; others are making the historic building “home” for the first time. Either way, a beautiful, energy-wise facility, complete with new office furniture, more meeting space and even artwork in the courtyard, awaits.

To celebrate the finished project and see the smart investments made in the facility, ODOT is having an Open House, and you’re invited.

Sat., Sept. 8

10 a.m. – Noon

355 Capitol St. NE

Tour guides will be on hand to point out the unique features of the building. See the basement stormwater storage system, where the water will be used in the lower-floor restrooms. Check out the comfort and technology offered by the Gail A. Achterman Commission Room, and see the refurbished bronze window casings. Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!

In the news
Read the Sept. 5, 2012 article by the Statesman Journal's Peter Wong to learn more about the T-Building renovation.

A sustainable investment for Oregonians
SERA Architects prepared a PowerPoint presentation for the Oregon Transportation Commission explaining why it is smart to design and build “green” buildings — which is what the renovated Transportation Building in Salem is. 
 
The T-Building, completed in 1950, had never been remodeled, and, along with being a seismic hazard, its heating, air conditioning and electrical systems were costly — for both the state and the environment. Now, the building will meet or exceed the LEED “Gold” standard for sustainability (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions).
 
This means the designers, contractor and subcontractors did a variety of things, including:

• Installing solar panels on the rooftop to generate clean energy (see photo below)
• Designing efficient water use, including storing rainwater in barrels for re-use in basement and 1st floor toilets
• Using non-toxic materials throughout, including adhesives
• Updating the storm water management, including reducing flow by running through planters
• Putting in native plants for landscaping
• Purchasing regionally originated materials in reconstruction
• Recycling and refurbishing deconstruction materials, including old sinks, toilets and air conditioners, chairs, desks and more
• Installing energy efficient lighting, heating and air conditioning systems
• Designing a workspace that maximizes daylight and creates areas for collaboration
• Many more efforts that contribute to sustainability!

• Capacity for employees will grow from approximately 400 to 435.
• Bonds will pay for the remodel, estimated at $69.4 million.
• Two Portland area firms won the major bids: SERA Architects for the design and Hoffman Construction for the remodel. Hoffman will manage about 35 subcontracts.
• More than 27 percent (approx. $9.8 million) of construction subcontract value was awarded to minority-owned, women-owned, disadvantaged and emerging small businesses.
• Construction activity created or sustained approximately 525 local jobs.
• The rehabilitation/remodel will be complete on Aug. 27, 2012.

1. Cost: current prices for new construction of a public multistory office building, not including land, design, city requirements and system development costs (SDCs), is between $310 to $340 per square foot. The renovation is currently at $283/square foot with a not-to-exceed amount of $308 (contingencies) — and that includes everything.
2. Historical preservation: the building has historic and intrinsic material value as one of the oldest state government buildings in Salem. ODOT heard from citizens requesting we consider doing what was feasible to preserve the historic element, and we can do that with a renovation vs. new building.
3. Sustainability: Oregon as a state has placed a high value on sustainable practices, and ODOT as a leader is committed to sustainable practices whenever possible. By renovating, we are able to incorporate sustainable efforts, such as recycling old material, re-using elements, donating items for non-profit re-sale, using local/regional materials, sending less material to the landfill, and much more.

• Consolidate rented space and save on leases, utilities and maintenance.
• Preserve a historic resource.
• Use sustainable energy with rooftop solar panels, efficient lighting and more.
• Reduce earthquake risks.
• Modernize electrical and communication systems.
• Offer flexible office layouts.
• Create a healthy indoor air environment.
• Improve meeting space and access.
• Enhance worker safety through updated fire, earthquake and security measures.
• Co-locate specific work groups for enhanced efficiency.
• Meet or exceed LEED Gold targets, including public transportation access; water use and energy use efficiency; non-toxic materials; recycled content materials; regionally manufactured materials; thermal comfort; and day-lighting.