{"id":9812,"date":"2026-06-14T17:00:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T17:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/angesfinanciers.org\/?p=9812"},"modified":"2026-06-19T15:27:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T15:27:43","slug":"vacant-supermarket-in-portland-converted-into-library-facility-by-hennebery-eddy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/angesfinanciers.org\/index.php\/2026\/06\/14\/vacant-supermarket-in-portland-converted-into-library-facility-by-hennebery-eddy\/","title":{"rendered":"Vacant supermarket in Portland converted into library facility by Hennebery Eddy"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Multnomah<\/div>\n

A large, empty store in Oregon<\/a>, USA, has been transformed into a net-zero<\/a> library operations centre by Hennebery Eddy Architects<\/a>, which incorporated an abundance of solar panels and colourful artwork.<\/span><\/p>\n

The building \u2013\u00a0officially known as the Multnomah County Library Operations Center \u2013 is located on the east side of Portland.<\/p>\n

\"Multnomah
Hennebery Eddy Architects has converted an Oregon grocery store into a library<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Designed by local firm Hennebery Eddy Architects<\/a>, the adaptive reuse<\/a> project involved transforming a vacant 1995 building, which formerly held a grocery store, into a workplace and storage facility.<\/p>\n

The Operations Center is considered the “beating heart” of the county’s library<\/a> system, as it serves the numerous libraries spread throughout the county, which encompasses the Portland<\/a> metropolitan area.<\/p>\n

\"Multnomah
The building was converted into the main hub for a county library<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The facility brings together material that was formerly spread across multiple locations.<\/p>\n

“The new Operations Center is essential for effectively managing more than 500,000 catalogue materials and outreach services,” said the team.<\/p>\n

\"Multnomah
It is glad in grey exterior panels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rectangular in plan, the building consists of the original 52,000-square-foot (4,831 square metre) grocery store and the a 21,000-square-foot (1,951 square metres) addition.<\/p>\n

As well as work and storage space, the building contains a used bookstore run by the Friends of Multnomah County Library.<\/p>\n

\"Multnomah
It consists of the original grocery store, plus an addition<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The exterior was clad in grey metal<\/a> panels that contain up to 80 per cent recycled content and were made locally, within 145 miles of the site. The exterior also features deep-set windows with ceramic-fit glazing and photovoltaic panels<\/a> used as shading devices.<\/p>\n

The facility has a total of 600 solar panels, which “fully offset the building’s energy use”, according to the team. The panels are estimated to produce 353,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.<\/p>\n

\"Multnomah
Murals, natural light and wood materials brighten the interior<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Inside, the team sought to create spaces that “prioritize the well-being, health and safety of the 130 employees who keep the library system running”.<\/p>\n

Ample glazing brings in daylight, with offices, meeting rooms and workstations placed on the perimeter of the floor plan for maximised sunlight and views. Skylights<\/a> illuminate a central collections area.<\/p>\n

\"Multnomah
The building was retrofitted with efficient HVAC systems<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Natural materials such as wooden wall panels are found throughout, as is nature-inspired artwork.<\/p>\n

“Common spaces are energized by large-scale, biophilic murals<\/a> conceived by community artists with the\u00a0Portland Street Art Alliance \u2013 to enliven the office and materials storage space,” the team said.<\/p>\n

\"Multnomah
Former grocery floors are lined with book stacks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A terrace<\/a> on the upper level offers workers access to fresh air. The shaded outdoor space features outdoor furniture, potted plants and climbing vines.<\/p>\n

The building was designed with natural disasters in mind. An enhanced air filtration system reduces pollution and seasonal wildfire smoke, and the structural system is designed for increased resilience in the case of an earthquake.<\/p>\n