Architecture Firm:
Mulvanny G2 Architecture
Completion Date:
Projected Completion January 2009
Project Format (not yet built / built):
Not Yet Built
Project Size (sf / site acreage):
120,000 sf/4 acres
Project Location:
SE Hawthorne Blvd and 39th St., Portland Oregon
Interior Designer:
Fred Meyer Store Planning Department
General Contractor:
Not Known
Landscape Designer:
Barghausen Consulting Engineers
Structural Engineer:
Kramer Gehlen & Associates
Mechanical Engineer:
Engineering Consultants, Inc
Electrical Engineer:
Engineering Consultants, Inc
Civil Engineer:
Barghausen Consulting Engineers
Owner:
Kroger
Sustainable Sites:
The Fred Meyer store on Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland is considered a neighborhood landmark. It opened over 50 years ago and has been an integral part of the Hawthorne community since.
This project will bring a new identity to the store that helps capture the eclectic and sustainable spirit of the neighborhood. In order to embrace the neighborhood’s diverse demography and initiate sustainable measures, the store needed to be redesigned and updated. The project will recapture the vibrancy of a local marketplace, while renewing the focus on landscaping and pedestrian safety. Combined with the encouragement of alternative transportation the result will be a more “socially responsible” store.
The Hawthorne site is one of Fred Meyer’s most urban locations. The Hawthorne community is a culturally diverse neighborhood, full of both historic and contemporary buildings that house smaller, area shops. Fred Meyer has seized this unique opportunity to showcase an enhanced relationship with the environment and urban fabric. The result is a store that is projected LEED Silver.
Features of the updated site include:
• Native species plantings
• Efficient drip irrigation system
• Parking ratio (currently, 2:1000) was not increased, in order to encourage use of alternative transportation to and from the site
• 8 Dedicated parking spaces for alternative fuel vehicles
• 5 Dedicated parking spaces for employee carpools
• Short- and long-term bicycle storage for 35 bicycles with changing rooms/showers to encourage employees to bike to work and customers to bike to the store
• Site is within ¼ mile of 3 major city bus lines with 2 bus stops on site
Toward Zero Energy:
Supermarkets and grocery stores are typically high energy users. In the renovation of this 50 year old store 21st century strategies will be employed to increase energy efficiency. This will result in lower operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
Energy efficiency measures include:
• Daylighting – The store will feature 44 new skylights as well as new windows to the street. This will decrease the need for artificial lighting and create a more pleasant shopping environment with a greater connection to the outside, increasing the safety of customers
• Energy efficient lighting systems – Replacement of existing lighting fixtures with efficient and long lasting CFL and LED fixtures with lower wattage will significantly reduce energy costs
• Energy efficient HVAC systems - New VFD (variable frequency drive) HVAC units will replace existing units
• Envelope upgrade – The new high performance envelope with added insulation improves the efficiency of the updated HVAC systems and reduces the HVAC demand
• Heat reclaim systems on all cooling cases are use for water heating on site
Local and Sustainable Materials:
The goal of this project is to minimize waste and utilize local manufacturers/fabricators wherever possible. A modern approach to design has reduced the need for extra “ornamental” materials. The new entry space features steel with high recycled content and the potential to be recycled in the future. A waste audit was conducted to help determine where the most waste within the store is generated. By understanding what waste is being generated, Fred Meyer will be in a better position to affect its destination. The audit was specifically used to fine tune the store’s existing recycling program so all possible recyclable material ends up in the right place.
To help minimize waste:
• Over 75% of construction waste will be diverted from the landfill
• A waste audit was conducted
• A new recycling program within the store was implemented making it easier for both employees and customers to reduce waste
• 20% of materials will be from sustainable sources
Sustainable Water:
The project goal was to focus on both interior and exterior water consumption and apply efficient water practices wherever possible. The result will be lower water usage and increased storm water management.
Water efficiency measures include:
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures throughout the store, resulting in over 20% savings
• Drip irrigation system for landscaping, resulting in a 50% reduction over conventional irrigation
• Increased landscaping will promote on-site storm water infiltration
• Existing dry-well system will be utilized to detain on-site water, reducing the impact on the municipal storm sewer system and minimizing the impact on the Willamette River
IEQ and Comfort:
The goal of the project is to create an inviting interior environment that attracts the customer and entices them to continue returning to the store. By increasing the comfort level and attractiveness of the space, the customer is encouraged to linger and make this their main retail stop.
The interior space is being entirely re-designed. New décor and fixtures, a focus on “gathering” spaces, and recognition of the street façade through new storefronts are just some of the major changes.
Modifications to the interior space to help achieve Fred Meyer’s goal of customer return will include:
• 44 new skylights were added throughout the store
• A focus on warm interior materials such as wood will reference the store’s Pacific Northwest location
• Contemporary indoor air quality practices will be in place during construction and beyond. Merve 8 filters will be in place during construction and a 2 week flush will be conducted prior to occupancy.
• Increased glazing and shading on the windows for daylighting and view without added energy costs
• CO2 monitors added to HVAC systems to monitor comfort levels
• Low VOC paints and coatings will be used in at least 45% of the project
• Sustainable cleaning systems and products will be used after occupancy for a healthier indoor environment
Collective Wisdom and Feedback:
The design of this project was a “holistic” effort. The architectural design was accomplished through a series of design charrettes. Architects from outside the Fred Meyer team contributed to help break from the established conventions and brought fresh ideas to the project.
In addition, the focus on sustainability was coordinated across all disciplines through multi-disciplinary team meetings including architects, engineers, and consultants. The result is a Fred Meyer store that responds to its urban surroundings and enhances the consumer experience with a modern design language that is both unique and appropriate.
Regional/Community Design:
This project has the distinction of being located in an area that is both urban and residential. This unique density creates the opportunity for pedestrian and bicycle connections, as well as innovative practices towards vehicular traffic. A full service market in an area of this density will reduce residents’ need to travel long distances for their basic needs.
The location also encourages a design that fits into the rich context of Hawthorne. Through a simple rhythm of vibrant colors, overhangs, and green screens the existing plain, monolithic façade is reinterpreted to enhance its urban, yet local market feel. The street façade is brought down to the scale of the pedestrian with new street trees and increased glazing. Current storefront sills will be dropped from 4 feet to 2 feet and new storefront will be added to connect customers inside and outside the store. Where the interior program restricts, full storefront opening display windows will be added, to further connect with the pedestrians on Hawthorne and enhance the safety of shoppers. Existing indirect wall sconces will be replaced with direct fixtures that light the sidewalk at night. These new fixtures also reduce light pollution through narrow light angles and lower wattage. These changes will result in a safer and more comfortable pedestrian experience and a building that celebrates its context.
The project:
• Engages the neighborhood with bicycle parking and additional pedestrian paths
• Engages the community with a focus towards commuting and encouraging use of alternative fuel vehicles
• Promotes a healthy neighborhood “market” that is crucial to its district
• Street lighting increases safety while reducing light pollution
