September 2025 Monthly Meeting

When
-
Meeting Title
High Performance Historic Renovation
Location

Hybrid Event - In person and via Zoom

EcoTrust Building
Billy Frank Jr Conference Center
721 NW 9th Ave. Suite 200
Portland, OR 97209

for Zoom register at the link below

Presenters
Nick Byers
David Wark
Jim Dossett
Ken Roko
Description

This course examines the restoration and transformation of two of the earliest buildings on the University of Oregon's campus, dating back to 1876. These structures, listed in the National Register, are undergoing a comprehensive renovation with multiple objectives. The initiatives are aimed to preserve their historical integrity, address deferred maintenance, modernize systems, enhance accessibility, and provide a new home for the math department.

The presentation will delve into the complexities encountered, particularly in maintaining the buildings' historic charm while ensuring a high-performing building envelope. The speakers will elaborate on the comprehensive approach undertaken, from evaluating existing conditions to implementing advanced enclosure design practices. We will showcase how these strategies harmoniously aligned with the pursuit of LEED Gold certification while safeguarding the unique character of the historic buildings.

Nick Byers incorporates sustainable design principles, comprehensive knowledge, technical proficiency, and strong graphic skills into his academic projects, finding cohesive and efficient ways to communicate design concepts between designers and contractors. As an Associate Design-Build Professional and past Chair of the DBIA Oregon Chapter, he demonstrates the best practices for building strong team relationships and collaboration. As a project architect, he explores design options and develops high-performance learning environments, drawing from his experience on higher education STEM projects focused on science labs and healthcare training facilities.

Leader of Hennebery Eddy’s Historic Resources Group, David Wark is widely recognized as one of the Northwest’s leading historic architects, bringing more than 40 years of experience preserving and restoring many of the region’s most significant buildings. He communicates the intent behind preservation criteria with clarity and engages effectively with community members, stakeholders, and agencies such as the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service. When working on culturally significant buildings, his goal is to integrate change in a way that maintains historic integrity and character while supporting long-term use. David excels at creatively and sensitively incorporating repairs, updated systems, additions, and new uses. His inclusive, thoughtful approach consistently results in responsive, innovative, and award-winning solutions.

1 AIA LU/HSW