DeMuro Award Profile:  
Altsource Headquarters (1923)
Portland, Oregon
While it may be hard to believe today, the Altsource Headquarters in Portland’s Central Eastside neighborhood was nearly uninhabitable a few years back. But a recent rehabilitation and addition designed by Siteworks yielded a gorgeous end-product that is the very definition of adaptive reuse.
Once something of an eyesore, the Altsource building has served many purposes over the years, operating as a commercial laundry, a bakery, a warehouse, an equipment storage space, and even a garage. 
Prior to its rehabilitation, a bland windowless exterior enveloped a warren of small, dark spaces; while an underground spring threatened its very structure, as evidenced by crumbling masonry and sagging floors and ceilings. 
Many companies, when faced with such vexing challenges would have elected to demolish. However, the folks at Altsource and their team at Siteworks looked beyond the decay and saw a unique opportunity to bring a historic place full circle.
First, insulated divided light windows were installed within the building’s existing window openings.  Next, new exterior glazing was added to bring more daylight into the space, reconnecting the building with the surrounding neighborhood by reactivating the long-neglected street-facing wall.  An 8,000 square foot second floor was then created to flood the interior with natural light while also providing roof deck space with enviable views of downtown. Finally, a central stair was fabricated to connect both levels while also providing an inviting spot for impromptu social gatherings. Interior spaces were kept quite simple, with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, brace frames, and the original roof structure all left exposed as a nod to the building’s industrial past. 
This elegant re-envisioning of the Altsource Headquarters perfectly embodies the “triple bottom line” of preservation: heritage, sustainability, and economic development. For that reason, and for 

  • saving and reusing a piece of Portland’s industrial history that most property owners would have dumped in the landfill
  • having the vision to transform an eyesore into a new local landmark
  • filling a prominent block in Portland’s Central Eastside with light and style
  • creating a workspace that contributes 100 jobs to our local economy

… Restore Oregon was delighted to recognize the Altsource Headquarters project with a 2019 DeMuro Award.