Allies for Efficiency webinar: Literary Arts Headquarters
2026-01-21 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Webinar
Join Energy Trust of Oregon on Jan. 21 for a live Allies for Efficiency webinar highlighting the new headquarters for the Portland nonprofit Literary Arts. Located in a historical 1904 building on Southeast Grand Avenue, the renovation transformed a long-vacant, 14,000-square-foot structure into a vibrant cultural hub, advancing Literary Arts’ mission of engaging readers, supporting writers and building community through storytelling. The center is now one of the largest physical spaces in the nation devoted to literature and storytelling.
Learn how the project team worked to preserve the beauty of the original wood floors, exposed timber and extensive brickwork while integrating modern building systems that improve performance and comfort that will serve Portland’s literary community well into the future.
Hear the project team discuss how they:

Preserved historical architectural elements while reinforcing the structure with full seismic upgrades, updated fireproofing and modern safety systems
Installed rooftop solar panels, which provide a portion of the building’s energy use
Integrated high-performance features, including all-electric building systems
Designed flexible, multipurpose spaces to host readings, classes, podcasts, workshops and live events

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how this thoughtful renovation connects community, history and sustainability in one project. Whether you’re designing cultural programming, historic preservation or high-performance energy standards, this case study is for you!
When:
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Where:
Webinar presentation through GoTo Webinar.
Webinar login information provided at event registration.
CEUs available: 1.5 AIA HSW credits, pending approval.
Presenters:

Hazel Valdez, managing director, Literary Arts
Amy Donohue, principal, Bora Architecture & Interiors
Corey Squire, associate principal, Bora Architecture & Interiors
