Eastside Exchange Adaptive Reuse

The adaptive reuse of the Eastside Exchange included renovating the former warehouse into a 96,000 sf, mixed-use creative office and retail center. Building improvements to the five-story historic building included a seismic upgrade, structural work, replacement of plumbing fixtures, mechanical system upgrades, sprinkler system upgrades, and new emergency lighting distribution. Amenities included the 6,200 sf Exchange Ballroom and the 2,200 sf roof top deck overlooking the Willamette River and Downtown Portland Skyline. The renovation blends the authenticity of the original concrete and heavy timber structure with modern finishes and highly efficient building systems to meet LEED Silver standards.

Originally named the Convention Plaza Building, the Eastside Exchange was originally constructed in 1925 and has served several purposes throughout Portland’s history—furniture warehouse, housing during WWII, an ice cream cone factory, and even a Sears Distribution center. The success of the rehabilitation has helped promote adaptive reuse around the East Burnside bridgehead.