Portland, Oregon
40,000 sf expansion, 42,000 sf renovation/restoration
Completed in Summer 2009

The Mercy Corps World Headquarters is the restoration of a historic Portland landmark, the Packer-Scott building, and a new building connected to it. The new facility is designed in a spirit consistent with the sensitivity, dynamism, and sustainable practices intrinsic to the international aid organization.

Built in 1892, the Packer-Scott building was restored to its original form to serve as a record of its time and upgraded to ensure it endures into the future. The new building is a clear expression of its time, incorporating sustainable design while simultaneously complementing the character of the Packer-Scott building and the neighborhood. In addition to responding sympathetically to context, this building represents Mercy Corps by incorporating a powerful metaphor for their organization into the vocabulary of the building.

Sustainable Design Highlights:

Reused 75% of the existing Packer Building, recycled 95% of the construction waste, 7.5% on-site renewable power generated through a photovoltaic array, green roof and bioswales treat stormwater runoff, high energy efficient building systems achieve 51.8% above code baseline, received 100% of energy and atmosphere LEED credits, green features demonstration project

Certification: LEED Platinum