Multnomah County’s central courthouse was built between 1909 and 1914, when the county had only 250,000 residents and long before modern building code standards for the region’s risk of earthquakes were in place. Today, about three times that many people live in Multnomah County and the central courthouse gets heavily used each day, from judges to jurors to people paying their parking tickets. Greater demand from a much larger population, coupled with a century’s worth of use, means the courthouse has developed serious safety problems that no longer can be deferred. Simply put, the central courthouse is structurally and functionally obsolete. The building doesn’t meet current seismic codes. There are also serious security concerns for the courts and the public, given the courthouse’s limitations on separating criminal defendants from judges and witnesses. Multnomah County is committed to providing a safe and functional central courthouse and is making great progress toward achieving that goal.

Designed by collaboration of SRG Partnership and CGL, the 17-story Multnomah County Central Courthouse will help transform the public's perception and experience of the region's justice system, making justice more transparent, open, and welcoming. Construction has begun on the 460,000 sf the project, it is slated to be completed in 2020.

Speakers

Steve Simpson, AIA LEED AP Principal, SRG Partnership

A University of Oregon graduate, Steve has been designing award-winning projects for more than 27 years. Steve’s work includes extensive experience in higher education, libraries, museums and cultural projects. He has contributed to the firm as a mentor and teacher to aspiring young architects in the office, as well as at the University of Oregon as adjunct professor for the School of Architecture and Allied Arts. Steve is currently the primary designer on the new Multnomah County Courthouse, located on the waterfront in Portland. Previous to that project he was the designer on the renovation of the State Capitol building in Salem.

Matt Sedor, Desginer, SRG Partnership

Buffet dinner included with registration and there will be a no host bar. 1 LU/HSW AIA CEU credit will be available, dont forget to sign the AIA sheet at the registration table.