Ankrom Moisan, the architecture and design firm that has helped shaped iconic Portland neighborhoods like The Pearl and the Southwest Waterfront is relocating to a new headquarters in mid-November. The move comes at the end of an exhilarating year for the firm—their Seattle hub moved to an inspiring new workplace, a San Francisco office was acquired, and a new hospitality design collective was launched.

The new building, aptly named 38 Davis for its location on Davis Street in Old Town Chinatown, will not only house Ankrom Moisan, it will also host University of Oregon classrooms and facilities, various retail spaces, and apartments. The mixed-use project takes cues from both historic and natural elements near the site and the city’s vibrant collection of designers and makers. The L-shaped configuration surrounds the existing Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, which sits on the southwest corner of the lot. A lively paseo separates the two structures and invites pedestrian activity.

The exterior architecture creates a seamless visual experience for the user by acknowledging the rich history of the neighborhood through a design that is both elegant and contextual; functional materials like brick and metal are integrated into the building’s façade. The interiors continue the experience through the use of honest materials, including concrete, wood, metal, and glass.

Capturing a Portland Attitude

Embracing both location and the true mixed-use nature of the project, the AMA Branding and Identity team worked with Architecture and Interiors to create a cohesive experience from the outside in and inside out. The key branding elements of the building are inspired by the Willamette River along with ancient Chinese calligraphy and brush painting that is a nod to the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood. These elements helped inspire the large abstracted river wall in the lobby and the logo for 38 Davis. The brand represents the variety of people and perspectives that make the project so dynamic and particularly Portland.

Staying Green

The project is also meeting rigorous sustainability goals, pursuing LEED NC Gold certification under LEED v4. Multiple green strategies include:

• A 14-panel solar hot water system projected to offset 54% of the building’s natural gas use.
• Locally harvested and milled wood used in the wood frame, lobby, and doors.
• A high efficiency façade that will help 38 Davis perform approximately 30% better than Oregon energy code.
• A real time energy monitor that will ensure optimal building performance.

Located in an area that used to serve as the heart of Portland, 38 Davis aims to revitalize an all but forgotten neighborhood. To learn more about the new location and explore the history of the site visit Ankrom Moisan’s website here.