DENVER, Colo. (May 8, 2024) – The Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse project is a groundbreaking venture in Oregon, marking a new direction in the state's public infrastructure development. Situated at the Red Soils Campus in Oregon City, it stands out as Oregon's first courthouse project to be carried out via a Public-Private Partnership (P3) model. This model was adopted by the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners after a thorough analysis deemed it the most efficient and least risky financial option. The consortium, Clackamas Progress Partners (CPP), comprising entities such as Fengate Asset Management, PCL Investments Inc., PCL Construction Services Inc., Honeywell, and DLR Group, was selected to lead the project covering design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance over a 30-year period.
As of now, the project has completed 19 months of the planned 36-month design and construction schedule. A notable achievement was the structural concrete "Topping Off" milestone reached in November 2023.
“This isn't just a building; it's a beacon of progress for this community,” said Jon Kindrachuk, PCL design-build project manager. “More than a judicial space, this building will serve as a vibrant community hub where residents can access an array of critical services. The project, underpinned by the innovative P3 contract model, showcases the County’s commitment to forward-thinking solutions that cater to the community. This project is a testament to how collaborative efforts can yield substantial and exciting benefits for an entire community.”
This project enjoys support from local stakeholders and user groups, including the Clackamas County District Attorney, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Clackamas County Bar Association, Oregon Department of Human Services, Association of Oregon Counties, Oregon Judicial Department, the City of Oregon City, and the State of Oregon.
The project team has made significant progress, particularly in the installation of the exterior façade, which includes mass timber soffits, brick veneer, glazing, and structural steel components. The building is designed to support rooftop mechanical equipment and a comprehensive photovoltaic array, fulfilling the Oregon Green Energy Technology in Public Buildings program's requirements. This initiative aims to generate at least 25% of the building's energy onsite, contributing to a LEED Gold certification.
Internally, the project has defined architectural programming, circulation patterns, and the demarcation of public and private spaces, with installations underway for mechanical, electrical, and fire suppression systems, among others. The use of natural light and heating and cooling strategies is emphasized through the installation of in-floor radiant heating and clerestory windows. Additionally, the building features separate circulation paths and zones, enhanced by a comprehensive security system to ensure a secure yet open environment.
The project team is on track to achieve a weatherproof exterior facade and roofing system in the summer of 2024, which will pave the way for the installation of interior finishes and other climate-sensitive components.
As the Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse project moves forward, it stands as a testament to the potential of Public-Private Partnerships in revolutionizing public infrastructure. This project not only embodies innovation in construction and environmental sustainability but also sets a precedent for future developments within Oregon and beyond. By integrating advanced green technologies, prioritizing security without sacrificing openness, and fostering strong community and state-wide support, the courthouse project is on track to deliver a state-of-the-art facility. Upon completion, it will not only serve the immediate needs of Clackamas County but also exemplify a model of development that other jurisdictions could look to emulate, showcasing the benefits of collaboration, efficiency, and sustainability in public projects.
About PCL Construction
PCL is a group of independent construction companies that operates throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. As one of the largest contracting organizations in North America, PCL completes more than $7 billion USD in work annually, building projects that shape communities. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.