Pioneer Courthouse Case Study

Preservation in Action Award Recipient

US General Services Administration/ US Court of Appeals – owner
SERA Architects
JE Dunn Construction Northwest – general contractor

Designed in the classical Italian Renaissance style, Pioneer Courthouse was originally constructed in 1875, with two wings added in 1905. The building is approximately 42,000 sq. feet, including a 12,000 sq foot basement. Over the years it has housed the Post Office, Federal Courts, Customs Service, and Internal Revenue Service. Since 1972 it has been the home of the U.S. Court of Appeals. The goal for rehabilitation of the courthouse was to restore and preserve the original elegant design and interior features, while modernizing it to meet the needs of the Court.

The most challenging aspect was the structural upgrades done below the existing building to allow it to survive a major earthquake. 75 “friction pendulum ground base isolators” were installed in the basement. These support the building during an earthquake, allowing the ground to move independently, reducing risk of damage to the building and the elements it contains.

Interior refurbishing included historically accurate colors, lighting, finishes, materials, and architectural details. The west entrance was established as the main entrance, connecting the building with the public spaces of Pioneer Courthouse Square. Courtroom wood paneling, carved wood trim, original oak flooring, and decorative plaster were restored. And original ceilings and cornice work that was damaged in previous renovations were reconstructed.

Pioneer Courthouse is truly the centerpiece of downtown Portland – and we are so grateful it will stand secure and glorious for many more years to come! This is a magnificent technical and restorative achievement.

More Photos of Pioneer Courthouse

Click to enlarge the images below.