First All-Wood, Mixed-Use Mass Timber Development in PNW Coming to Portland, Oregon

After a decade of planning and investigation, Waechter Architecture has recently unveiled its latest project in Portland, Oregon’s vibrant Mississippi Avenue District, according to “designbloom” (4-12-23). “The Mississippi” is the Pacific Northwest’s first “all-wood” mixed-use mass timber development.

The 9,555 square-foot structure is a blend of individuality and community, flexibility, and permanence, while setting a new standard for sustainable and sensitive infill development in the area, “designbloom” says.

“The Mississippi” is the first commercial project in Oregon to utilize mass timber construction for all aspects of the building, with only a “rain jacket” of weathering steel on the exterior and radiant concrete flooring as the exceptions, according to “designbloom.” The interior surfaces of the building have exposed wood without the need for additional finishes or fireproofing, creating a sense of simplicity and integrity rarely seen in conventional cross-laminated timber (CLT) or traditional frame projects.

In recognition of its innovative design, Waechter Architecture has been awarded the highly respected USDA/US Forest service Wood Innovation Program grant to conduct further research on the building’s performance and to explore potential applications of its pioneering approach in other commercial, institutional, and residential settings.