Madrona Studios

Howard S. Wright renovated the 5-story Ramada Inn hotel, located in the Convention Center area of Northeast Portland, into Madrona Studios, a modern and affordable housing project for low-income residents. The scope of work included the renovation of 176 separate units in the 94,890 sf building and the full build-out for the Hooper Detox Center on the first floor.

A solar hot water system, the third largest in the state, was installed to provide 25% of the total hot water for the building. High-efficiency central water heaters now provide a recirculation system for domestic hot water. Interior finishes include high performance glass to reduce solar heat gain and energy-star rated equipment for the commercial kitchen, studio appliances and lighting. In addition, an energy-star rated reflective roofing membrane is used to reduce heat gain and urban “heat island effect.”

Despite many challenges, the Howard S. Wright team completed this project one month ahead of schedule and created substantial savings to the Owner upwards of $300,000.