Originally constructed as a warehouse in 1895, the Natural Capital Center building was acquired in 1998 by Ecotrust, a Portland-based environmental organization, for redevelopment as its headquarters and a center for the conservation economy.
The project broke ground in February 2000 and was completed 18 months later. Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company known for its environmental ethic, was the retail anchor, opening its first Oregon store and its largest flagship retail location. The 70,000 square foot building also houses Ecotrust's headquarters and a mix of non-profit and business tenants gathered around the themes of sustainable forestry and fisheries, green building, and financial investment.
The Natural Capital Center has maintained the character of the original 1895 structure while incorporating environmentally innovative techniques which resulted in the project becoming the first LEED Gold certified historic rehabilitation in the United States.
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• 98% of construction debris reclaimed and recycled - a city record.
• 32% water savings achieved through low flow fixtures.
• 20% energy savings achieved through efficient windows, fixtures and ventilation system.
• FSC-certified, sustainably harvested wood used throughout
• Willamette River protected from storm water runoff - rainwater is filtered and absorbed through bioswales and an ecoroof.
• Environmentally innovative interior materials - recycled paint, wheatboard cabinets, rubber flooring from recycled tires.