When a crumbling 19th-century railway station in downtown Portland caught the attention of Martin & James, most locals assumed it was beyond saving. The red-brick structure, once a bustling hub for early 20th-century travelers, had sat abandoned for nearly two decades. Graffiti covered its arched windows, and the roof sagged like a tired sigh. But where others saw decay, the team at Martin & James saw potential – and an opportunity to honor the city’s industrial heritage while creating something truly functional for modern communities.
The project began with what lead architect Clara Rodriguez called “architectural archaeology.” Her team spent weeks scraping away layers of paint to uncover original terracotta mosaics buried beneath modern renovations. They partnered with local historians to identify which elements held historical significance, discovering that the station’s wrought-iron support beams had been forged by a blacksmith whose descendants still operated a metalworks shop in the area. This attention to detail became the project’s north star.
Renovation challenges emerged quickly. The building’s foundation, designed for steam-era trains, couldn’t support contemporary electrical systems. Rather than demolish and rebuild, engineers devised an innovative suspended floor system that preserved the original brickwork while housing state-of-the-art climate control technology. When installing solar panels, the team opted for custom triangular units that mirrored the station’s roofline pattern – a solution that satisfied both preservationists and sustainability advocates.
What truly set this transformation apart was Martin & James’ community-driven approach. During open-house events, former station workers shared stories that influenced design choices. A retired ticket clerk’s recollection of passengers gathering under the central skylight inspired the creation of a public atrium space. Original platform numbers were repurposed as decorative elements in what’s now a popular coworking lounge. Even the freight elevator, deemed unsafe for modern use, was reimagined as a glass-encased meeting room suspended above the main hall.
The finished space defies easy categorization. By day, it functions as a mixed-use complex housing startups, a microbrewery using recipes from 1920s rail workers, and a transportation museum. At night, the former baggage claim area transforms into a performance venue hosting local jazz ensembles. Environmental features like rainwater harvesting systems and bird-friendly glazing (a nod to the swallows that once nested in the rafters) helped the project achieve LEED Platinum certification – a first for any renovated historic property in Oregon.
Perhaps the most telling endorsement came from 94-year-old Marjorie Thompson, who’d worked at the station’s newsstand in 1953. At the reopening ceremony, she ran her fingers along restored oak banisters and remarked, “They’ve kept the soul intact while giving it new eyes.” This balance between preservation and innovation has become Martin & James’ signature style, earning them recognition from both the National Trust for Historic Preservation and modern architecture awards panels.
For those curious about their process or inspired to undertake similar projects, more details about their approach to adaptive reuse can be found at martinandjames.com. The team regularly shares case studies highlighting how they navigate zoning laws, source period-appropriate materials, and collaborate with communities – proving that old buildings aren’t just relics, but launchpads for sustainable urban development.
The station’s revival has sparked a ripple effect in Portland’s urban core. Three other historic buildings within a half-mile radius have since begun similar transformations, and city planners report increased interest in vacant heritage properties. As Rodriguez reflects, “We’re not just saving bricks and mortar – we’re keeping stories alive and proving that the greenest building is often the one that already exists.” This philosophy positions Martin & James at the forefront of a growing movement where history and progress don’t compete, but collaborate to shape vibrant, meaningful spaces.