400 SW Sixth Avenue Lobby and Entry Renovation

Client
-

Location
Portland, Oregon

Typology
Interior

The renovation of the main lobby and exterior entry at 400 Southwest Sixth Avenue repositions the 1958 building into one of downtown Portland’s most distinctive and desirable Class A properties. Its renewed appeal, which many commercial buildings only achieve through complete building renovations, is realized through a realigned public space, dramatic and unusual, yet refined selection of finishes, and a digital art project that is unprecedented in Portland, Oregon.

 The strategy for the design grew from the opportunity to show off the main lobby’s captivating two-story volume, bringing it out to the street and enlarging its depth to the rear. Prior to the renovation, the entry to the building appeared “sunken” below grade. The success of the design not only brought the entry to the building out to the street with 25 foot custom glass, but also incorporated a 20 by 16 foot back lit digital art wall facing 6th Avenue. The team found opportunities to increase ambient light in the lobby, reduce overly compartmentalized spaces, and replace outdated or inappropriate finishes.