Multnomah County Central Courthouse

Multnomah County’s central courthouse was opened in 1914, long before there were building codes that included earthquake resiliency provisions. Facing heavy use and safety and security problems, the County undertook a project to provide a safe and functional central courthouse. DAY CPM, a division of Otak, is providing comprehensive owner’s representative and construction management services to manage the process for this new 461,000-square-foot courthouse overlooking the Willamette River. Innovative seismic upgrades include shock absorbers that will allow up to three inches of movement in each direction to create a seismically resilient building. Working with the collaborative project team and stakeholders, Otak created many opportunities for the community to take part in the project. In addition, the project is using an apprenticeship program and extensive community outreach and engagement to meet and exceed goals for engaging minority, women, and emerging small business participation throughout the trades and subcontracting. The County has set aspirational goals to help underrepresented businesses and groups, and we are working with all the project partners to help meet these goals.