Designed by Francis Berndt for businessman C.K. Henry in 1909, the Henry Building at 309 SW 4th in Portland has been part Restore Oregon’s Historic Conservation Easement Program since 1983. For over 36 years, our easement committee has protected this National Historic Register-listed property from neglect, demolition, and changes that would obscure its historic integrity. In an expanding and increasingly bustling Portland, the Henry Building’s six stories were built to be lightweight and fireproof while accommodating an influx of downtown workers and shoppers.
Today, the Henry Building, serving as 153 units of deeply affordable housing, is undergoing a full seismic rehabilitation. Led by SERA Architects, the upgrade maintains the historic facade, appearance of its daylight atrium, and its other historic features. As an additional benefit, the implementation of a rooftop solar PV system will increase the financial viability of the Henry Building’s 66,000 plus square feet of sustainable housing–something we can all celebrate!
Visit www.seradesign.com/projects/henry-building-renovation to learn more about this project. Visit https://restoreoregon.org/conservation-easements/ to learn more about conservation easements!