Historic Pioneer U.S. Federal Courthouse

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Pioneer Courthouse is located in the heart of downtown Portland. It was originally built in 1875, long before seismic building codes. To update the building and make it seismically sound, JE Dunn installed a friction pendulum base isolation system; at the time of construction, it was the first in Oregon and one of only 50 in the entire country.

The interior renovation focused around the idea of adaptive re-use. Original features, including scrolled lighting fixtures were protected in place during construction and later retrofitted with energy-conserving bulbs. Existing areas were recycled into new spaces, which required the removal of vinyl asbestos tile flooring and acoustical drop ceiling. We utilized historic photographs and worked with specialty artisans to revive the original color schemes and detail work throughout the building. In most cases, the extensive woodwork was restored to its original grandeur without replacement.

The interior was also given a major security and communications upgrade. Surveillance cameras were placed throughout the various spaces and included courtrooms as well as judges offices and administrative spaces. Updated communications allow for video and teleconferencing capabilities throughout the building.