On the Boards: Literary Arts headquarters

A 120-year-old, 14,000-square-foot building in Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District is being renovated to become the new headquarters for Literary Arts . Bora Architecture & Interiors designed the project, which is now under way at 716 S.E. Grand Ave.

Literary Arts, a community-based nonprofit, aims to engage readers and support writers through programs such as Portland Arts & Lectures, the Oregon Book Awards and Portland Book Festival. The organization is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

General contractor O’Neill Construction Group started work in September 2023 and is expected to finish this fall. The project team also includes civil engineer Vega Civil Engineering , structural engineer KPFF , and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer PAE .

Literary Arts, having outgrown its space in downtown Portland, worked with Bora Architecture & Interiors to tour more than 40 buildings before finding the one in the Central Eastside. The building originally housed Strowbridge Hardware and later became a furniture store, according to Literary Arts’ website. Now it will serve “one of the largest literary organizations of its kind in the country,” according to Amy Donohue, Bora Architecture & Interiors’ lead architect for the renovation.

“Throughout the design process, we’ve focused on how this building can best be used by not only staff at Literary Arts, but also those they serve readers, writers, and youth,” Donohue stated on the website. “The end result is a space that is a welcoming environment for all, irrespective of age, income, race, education, or geographical background a true cultural hub in our community.”

Below ground level, the building will hold a classroom, a recording studio, a workroom, a mothers’ room, a bike room, employee lockers, and storage space. At ground level, there will be a bookstore, a caf, and classrooms. The mezzanine level will have a community room, a bookstore, and additional caf seating. The second floor will hold staff offices.

The project will include a full seismic upgrade. An elevator, an all-electric mechanical system, fire sprinklers, and new plumbing and electrical infrastructure will be installed.

The new roof will gain a photovoltaic solar array via a project in partnership with Elemental Energy , Donohue stated.

The original brick and interior wood will be visible in the completed space, according to Donohue. Also, plans call for a minimal number of wall additions and material interventions on the primary levels, she stated.

“With these renovations, Literary Arts extends the life of this building far into the future,” she stated.

The total project cost is $13 million, including $3.5 million for property acquisition.

On the Boards is a DJC feature offering a look at projects in Oregon and Southwest Washington being tackled by local architecture firms. To have your firm’s projects considered, contact the DJC at 503-802-7221 ornewsroom@djcOregon.com.

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