Ecotrust

An embodiment of resilient design.

In 2001, Holst restored a historic, century-old warehouse to create a center that encourages the exchange of ecologically and socially responsible ideas, goods, and services. Ecotrust, officially the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center, is an open, light-filled space for progressive businesses and nonprofit organizations, that promotes interaction and at some points, even eliminates barriers between tenants.

Ecotrust was the first historic redevelopment in the U.S. to receive a gold-level LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, and the first LEED Gold building in the Pacific Northwest, heralding the green building movement in the region.

“The renovation of the warehouse, once a United States Steel depot, is considered a prominent example of a national trend toward imaginative workplace architecture, as well as toward more environmentally sound buildings.” — Linda Baker, New York Times

Awards

2002 Governor’s Livability Award, Honorable Mention

2002 City of Portland BEST Award, Waste Reduction