PICKLE FACTORY

Originally constructed as a tire factory, the building spent most of its life as a foundry. The Pickle Factory name is derived from a foundry term “pickling” which is the process of removing surface impurities from cast parts. The current owner converted the use of this 40,000 SF building into approximately 17 office and artist studio spaces at affordable rents. A new entry vestibule leads a central atrium space for congregation to foster inclusive flexible space for community gatherings and shows.

Socially, the project’s most exceptional aspect is its benefit to the community via its program which is to maintain artists working within the city of Portland in generously sized studio spaces flooded with natural light. The old single pane windows were replaced by energy efficient overhead doors which maintain the generous amount of natural light combined with the ability to open them and have fresh air. Retention of historic factory aesthetic and feel was a design driver and obsolete cranes and gantries have been retained to reinforce this.