(I06) Decarbonization, Resilience, and Health: How a 113-year-old landmark building has adapted for the future, today.

The march toward decarbonization has begun, but with both real and perceived obstacles, the path ahead for existing building owners can trigger caution. Despite tenuous leasing conditions that have appeared in the wake of the pandemic and the rise of hybrid working, commercial property owners are realizing that appealing to high-value tenants means positioning their properties to reflect a commitment to Environmental, Social, Governance, and Community (ESG+C) values. This session will feature the perspectives of a building owner, architect, and tenant who came together to achieve this market differentiation, finding ways to cost-effectively meet climate goals, while resiliently supporting the health of its occupants. This is the latest chapter in the story of the Galleria – a former department store and historic landmark built more than a century ago in downtown Portland, Oregon. Upon acquisition by Unico Properties, a national property owner and asset manager, they commissioned SERA Architects with a challenge to reposition the Galleria to meet ambitious sustainability goals while maintaining seamless operations for a large anchor retail client that was moving within the building. When SERA doubled down by deciding to become a tenant in the building, even higher aspirations emerged. Come to learn how the Galleria team pursued an integrated design strategy that leveraged passive features of this historic building, removed gas combustion, and introduced new all-electric systems that efficiently deliver 100% fresh outdoor air to its occupants. Specific design approaches will be shared to show how buildings of an advanced age can be cost-effectively brought to the front of the pack – achieving LEED and WELL Platinum – in ways that are climate-smart and human-centered. Building owners, tenants, designers, engineers, and contractors will all find value in this session, since decarbonization requires an integrated effort to clear obstacles and uncover ancillary benefits along the way.