Art Anderson Associates provided full construction management services under a term contract with the US General Services Administration, Region 10 for the $20 million seismic upgrade/rehabilitation of the historic 57,000-sq. ft. Pioneer Courthouse in Portland, Oregon. Art Anderson Associates' Project Representative facilitated resolutions and served as the point-of-contact for all owner design and construction issues. We also performed site reviews and managed the owner's construction budget and all special inspector contracts required.

The project entailed replacement of the building foundation with a state-of-the-art base isolation system to preserve the historic 1897 structure during a seismic event. The friction pendulum isolators, used for the first time in the Portland area, isolate the building from the earth, allowing it to move freely in an earthquake.

Rehabilitation work included preservation and reconditioning of historic features, including light fixtures, intricate plaster work, woodwork, wood flooring and office fireplaces. All mechanical, electrical, data/communication and security systems were replaced. Exterior improvements included sidewalk, entry steps and stone wall restoration. The basement level was lowered and a secure parking area for federal judges provided. Mechanical/Electrical system startup/commissioning was included in our task order.

The project has received a number of awards for construction and design excellence. Some of these awards include:

• 2005 Northwest Construction Awards Best Renovation/Restoration
• 2006 23rd Annual Reconstruction/Renovation Award, sponsored by Building Design + Construction Magazine
• 2006 Portland AIA Award for Craftsmanship
• 2008 Pinnacle Award for Preservation in Action, from the Architectural Heritage Center