A white building with a sign that reads 'ALBINA VISION TRUST' in black letters. There are large windows and a glass door at the entrance. Cars are parked in front, and a person is riding a bicycle on the street. There are trees and power lines outside.

Albina Vision Trust

Architect: Lever Architecture
Structural Engineer: Valar Consulting Engineering
Photographer: Justin Cordova

  • Located in the heart of North Portland’s Albina District, this tenant improvement project transformed a once-derelict building into the new headquarters for Albina Vision Trust (AVT), a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing the historic neighborhood. Working in close partnership with Lever Architects and Crossover Construction, the project sought not only to create a functional and welcoming office space but to uplift the surrounding community—both in spirit and through opportunity.

    AVT’s goals were clear: to create a multi-use space that felt warm, open, and reflective of their mission while engaging minority and emerging small business trade partners throughout construction. The resulting space includes three private offices, an open conference area, a communal office space, and a compact kitchenette—all carved out of a 4,461-square-foot former shop originally built in 1937. Building upgrades included seismic retrofitting, new steel awnings, storefront and window replacements, a garage door swap, and critical roof repairs. Four damaged skylights were replaced in kind, with additional improvements made to the roof assembly and drainage system—all while preserving the building’s structural footprint and site configuration.

    One of the project’s most unique features is the celebration of the original wood timbers. Using a specialized walnut shell blasting process, layers of paint and wear were stripped away to reveal the century-old wood’s natural beauty—restoring warmth and character to the ceiling and large timber elements. Another key design moment came with the west-facing storefront, where a structural surprise during demo revealed the need for a complete rebuild. Though it posed a significant challenge to the budget and timeline, collaborative problem-solving and steady leadership allowed the team to address the issue without compromising the overall project vision.

    The preconstruction process was guided by AVT’s desire to work with a builder who could both realize their design and help raise up others in the process. Originally eyeing the project competitively, Owen Gabbert LLC and Crossover Construction ultimately joined forces, combining Crossover’s diverse subcontractor base with OGLLC’s financial infrastructure and construction expertise. The collaboration not only brought the vision to life but also provided mentorship and access to systems for builders breaking into commercial work.

    What once stood as a neglected site is now a vibrant, forward-looking hub for community growth. For the team, the greatest pride lies in that transformation—not just of a building, but of its potential. The project serves as a model for community-centered development and what’s possible when inclusion and excellence go hand in hand.

Office space with people working at desks, large yellow accent wall with colorful portrait, exposed wooden ceiling beams, and industrial ductwork.
A spacious, modern lobby with a high ceiling featuring exposed wooden beams and hanging lights. The walls are white with large windows allowing natural light. There are several sofas and chairs arranged around a yellow rug. Three women are sitting an
A modern, open lounge or office space with exposed wooden ceiling beams, large windows, and a diverse group of people engaging in various activities like sitting, reading, and talking. The space has contemporary furniture including armchairs, a large
Modern indoor space with high ceiling, wooden beams, and hanging pendant lights. There is a large window with a view of trees outside. The room contains various seating arrangements, including green sofas, a yellow ottoman, and black chairs around a
A modern meeting space with a large table and chairs at the back, dark blue curtains framing the space, and several people sitting and standing in the room. There are paintings on the walls, pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, and cozy seating i
Interior of a modern, open-concept office or common area with a high ceiling, wood beams, and hanging lights. There are several people sitting and standing, artwork on the walls, and furniture including chairs, sofas, and yellow ottomans on a yellow
A white building with colorful murals of flowers and people on the exterior walls, with a wooden pergola partial structure attached. The background shows a clear blue sky and trees.
A man sitting alone on a concrete bench in an urban outdoor space with modern buildings, a mural on a white wall, and trees in the background.
An outdoor patio area with picnic tables in front of a white wall featuring colorful murals of smiling children. There are green trees and a building with a covered walkway on the right.
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